Mary Gladys Folkema

FOLKEMA Mary Gladys Folkema (Pillis) age 80 of Georgetown Township, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2011, and is now with her Lord and Shepherd after a courageous battle with cancer. Her battle was fought with dignity and grace, the same way she lived her life. She was preceded in death by her sister Anna Nistelberger of Austria. Born and raised in Muskegon, she graduated in 1948 from St Mary's High School as valedictorian of her class. In 1953, she received her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Elementary Education from Michigan State College and in 1960 completed her Masters Degree at Long Beach State College, California. She retired in 1985 after 33 years in the Wyoming, Michigan Public School system.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 42 years, Jay Arnold Folkema. Together, they went on many adventures flying, camping, and dancing the night away. She also leaves behind children, Jack and Deborah Folkema, Ruth Bradfield, Tom and Roze Melville; grandchildren, David Bradfield, Kelly Goodman, Danny Bradfield, Josh and Mirin Melville, Donny Bradfield, Jaclyn Folkema, Jason and Jessica Hekman, and Michael and Joslyn Rosema; great grandchildren, Brittani, Mark, Brandi, Haleigh, Tiffani, Ashley, Isaiah, Kierra, Cadence, Graham, baby Hekman, and baby Goodman; great great grandchildren, Catherine Araya, & Logan; sister-in-law, Millie Hess of California, Nephew Fritz Nistelberger of Austria, many nieces, nephews and cousins both here and abroad.

She was a long time member of Holy Redeemer Parish in Jenison were the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 11 AM, with Rev. Ronald Hutchinson presiding. Interment will be at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family Thursday from 3-7 PM at the Cook Funeral Home (west building), 4235 Prairie SW, Grandville and Friday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Her family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookfuneralservices.com http://www.cookfuneralservices.com/. Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of ones choice.

Visitation February 10, 2011 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Service February 11, 2011 11:00 AM Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 2700 Baldwin Jenison, MI

Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery Georgetown, MI

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619