Lenore Jean Plum

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our mother, Lenore Jean Plum, April 7, 2022, in Jenison, Michigan. Jean, or Sissy, as she was often called by close friends and family, was born Lenore Jean Schaner on November 23, 1927 in Royal Oak, Michigan. At 94, she continued to love life, enjoy reminiscing about all of her many experiences, take car rides with no specific destination, and eat ice cream along the way. Her early years were spent in Pentwater, Michigan where she truly loved the outdoors and became an avid swimmer - living in a house on Pentwater Lake. Later, the family moved to a house on Wood Street in Muskegon where Jean would attend Muskegon High School. It was there she would become a clarinetist in the legendary Big Red Marching Band of the 1940s. She would fondly recall those football days and continued to enjoy watching the sport. Jean worked at Mills Ice Cream during those years - hand packing pints and quarts of ice cream for its many patrons - and she credited that for her strong arms.

It would be in that very same house on Wood Street where Jean would start her own family in the 1950s. Most notable in those years with young children was perhaps the group of friends affectionately called the Club girls. Bimonthly Tuesday night meetings created a strong bond of sisterhood that would carry them all throughout the many years that followed. Jean’s infectious and distinctive laugh continues to be a characteristic memory of these late night gatherings. Supportive and caring, these women were always a part of every celebration, whether happy or sad. This strong bond of friends was sadly missed these last years as she had outlived so many of them. Jean was always a thoughtful and loyal friend to so many.

Jean worked a number of years at Holmes Drug Store at the four corners in North Muskegon and then at Sears in the custom draperies department until her retirement. At home, she busily created numerous one-of-a-kind hats and sweaters on her knitting machine. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made nearly all of her girls’ clothes for school and her own as well. She was very capable and creative and her many endeavors were a great source of pride and achievement. Her hobbies included tending to her many flower beds, strawberries and raspberries, and a variety of vegetables. We all enjoyed the results of these efforts.

Jean’s last years were spent in Jenison where she most often enjoyed the company of her daughter, Barbara Jean, who lived nearby. Barbara’s devotion to our mother was most appreciated. Shopping trips, car rides, and visits bring fond memories to us all. Mom thoroughly enjoyed gadding about as she called it.

Jean is survived by her younger sister, Colleen (Nick) Lirones. She is also survived by her children Susan (Kent) Syers, Greg (Mary) Christian, Barbara Christian, and Bradley (Colleen) Christian. Additionally she is survived by her grandchildren Lisa (Nils) Larsen, Shelly (Joe) Deblock, Vanessa (Michael) Bismuth, Carolyn Syers, Brandon Christian, and A.J. (Sara) Christian. Jean was delighted with the title of “Mum” given to her by her first great-grandchild. There are eight great-grandchildren in all Riona Phelps, Chelsea Deblock, Abby Bismuth, Owen Deblock, Lila Bismuth, Kalia Valdes, Pierce Christian, and Colton Christian.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, John Plum; sister, Dotty Fiet; and brother, Pete Schaner.

Jean had a very special relationship with each one of her children. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, for her infectious laugh, and her adventurous spirit. She often had a happy twinkle in her eye with a slight hint of mischievousness. Those who were lucky to know her well knew that to be a part of her terrific sense of humor and a part of her charm. She will be greatly missed by many.

Her children would like to thank the staff of American House in Jenison and those of Faith Hospice for all of their love and care.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. April 27, 2022 at the Hart, Michigan cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.