Margaret VanderMey

Old Mission-Margaret VanderMey passed away on April 16, 2019, at Munson Hospice House surrounded by her family. She was 92.

Margaret was born on July 7,1926, in Vogel Center, Michigan, to Ralph and Rullie (Smith) Beerens and was the fifth of nine children.

On February 6,1945, she married Charles VanderMey prior to his leaving for service in the Navy during WWII. While her husband was away serving his country, Margaret was employed at the B.F. Goodrich factory in Cadillac making fabric skins for airplane wings. After Charles's return, they began their lives as farmers. In 1952 and 1955 they welcomed their sons, Harry and Richard.

After moving to Old Mission, Margaret worked at Kroupa's Incorporated until its closing and then at Peninsula Fruit Exchange.

Although her life was not easy, it was filled with many special moments and time spent with her family. Margaret was a sweet lady who lived an honest, hard-working life. Things were matter-of-fact with her and she had very few luxuries, but she made the best of what she had. She had an extraordinary flair for crocheting and made hundreds of doilies, giving many of them away to friends and family. She would sit for hours at a time, making doilies of all shapes and sizes. Margaret also enjoyed working in her garden, making jams and jellies and preserving fruits and vegetables. After Charlie passed away, Margaret found comfort and fellowship when she became a member of the Old Mission Congregational Church.

Margaret's greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there to give hugs and kisses, read a story, play a game and hand out her famous oatmeal raisin cookies. She loved to have them help her make cookies or zucchini bread. Time spent with her family always brought her happiness.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charles, her parents and six of her siblings.

Surviving Margaret are her sons, Harry VanderMey, Richard (Pamela) VanderMey, her grandsons Matthew VanderMey, Thomas VanderMey, Michael (Rachel)VanderMey, Adam (Ashley) VanderMey and her great-grandchildren, Kayleigh VanderMey, Mason VanderMey, Mitchel VanderMey, Logan VanderMey and Tyler VanderMey. She is also survived by two sisters, Harriette and Lucille.

A celebration of Margaret's life will be held on Sunday, April 28th at l:30pm at the Old Mission Congregational Church, 18687 Mission Road. The Reverend Peter Shumar officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider making a memorial donation in Margaret's name to either Munson Hospice House or the Old Mission Congregational Church.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.