Phyllis Ann Purwin

Phyllis Ann Purwin, 94, born July 1, 1929, passed away on May 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Bert Purwin; parents, Clyde and Anna Wood; siblings, Clyde, Leroy, Wilma, Kathryn (Pat); twin brother, Raymond, Bob, Jim, and Joe.

Phyllis is survived by: children, Tony (Marie) Purwin, James (Diane) Purwin, Pat (George) Gerdeman, Joan (Mark) Mienko, and Nick (Sheryl) Purwin; grandchildren, Michelle Murphy, Theresa (Bob) Dozeman, Jennie (Pat) Riordan, Mary (Kyle) Esch, Jessica (Scott) Angebrandt, Michael Purwin (Gina Carlson), Jonathan (Amanda) Purwin, Stephanie (Michael) Hoekstra, Rebecca (Shadi) Karadsheh, Julia (Steven) Fix, Kathy (Scott) Gaddis, Matt Gerdeman, Aaron (Trish) Gerdeman, Maria Shumway, Joseph Mienko, John (Toni) Mienko, Maureen Hogg, Melanie (Robert) Quist, Emily (Dan) O'Connor, Jacob Purwin, and Maxwell (Chloe) Purwin; 44 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bonnie Wood; and sister, Mary (Sam) Peterson.

Phyllis worked with her husband, Bert, running Comstock Park Body Shop. Following his death, she continued working until she was 91 years old – driving herself to the shop every day to help keep things running smoothly. Some of her favorite times at the shop were spent talking with customers, often putting them at ease. She was well respected by her employees and truly loved being at the shop. She enjoyed spending time with her family and enjoyed leisure time at the family cottage on Wolf Lake north of Baldwin, Michigan. Christmas was her favorite holiday, having her home packed full of family and laughter. She made sure everyone in her family had a present to open - even if that meant the gifts stacked from the floor to the ceiling! Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and her biggest legacy. Phyllis was a kind, loving, and hard-working woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, with a Rosary service starting at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held the following day, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Jude Catholic Parish, 1120 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of Mass. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Hospice.