Ileanna Vavere

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ileanna Katherine Vavere, who left us on September 20, 2023 at the age of 64, after battling cancer. She was born January 4, 1959 to Ted and Anny Porter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ileanna was a beloved wife to Valdemars and mother to Brandon, Rachael, and Katrina.

She will always be remembered for how she made every person she met feel comfortable and loved with her warmth, kindness, and love of Christ. Ileanna loved spending time with her family, especially camping every summer at Ludington State Park. She added a creative touch to everything she did, always making things more beautiful. Quilting brought her joy and she was an avid gardener. She studied writing at Alma college, it was her passion.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Valdemars Vavere; children Brandon (Amanda) Vavere, Rachael (Josiah) Bosman, and Katrina (Brad) Vavere; siblings Lyman (Vicky) Porter, Charlie (Linda) Porter, and Heather (Jeff) Kraker; mother-in-law, Theresa Vavere; siblings-in-law Regina (Peter) Daukss, Christine (Chris) Baughman, and Andy (Margaret) Vavere; as well as many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends who were like family. She is preceded in death by her parents Ted and Anny Porter and father-in-law, Vaclavs Vavere.

A visitation with the family will be held from 2-6 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418, with prayer at 4 p.m. Private burial of her ashes will take place at a later date.

Please join us in celebrating Ileanna Vavere’s life and sharing your memories during this difficult time. Condolences and words of comfort may be shared at www.cookcaresgrandville.com for the Vavere Family.