Alice Perrin

Alice E. Perrin, age 93, of Hudsonville, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 17, 2025. She was born on December 10, 1931, in Wyoming, MI, the sixth of nine children born to Joseph and Marion Smith.

Alice's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with them and loving each one wholeheartedly. She especially delighted in little children, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought her endless joy.

She had a caring heart not only for people but also for animals, deeply loving her pets and "granddogs." Her home and yard were filled with the beauty of flowers she tended, and she had a special fondness for her whimsical collection of little pig statues. Music was also a source of comfort and joy to her-she especially loved listening to Christian music.

Shopping was another pastime she enjoyed, whether browsing at Roger's Department Store in Wyoming years ago or later tuning in to QVC.

Alice was also known as a steadfast supporter of her husband's many endeavors. When he organized Hudsonville's first Cub Scout pack, she became the first den mother, preparing lessons, activities, and projects. She also played a vital role in the early Hudsonville Athletic Boosters, giving up a week of vacation each year to work the Hudsonville Fair ticket booth, hauling water up the hill to the football concession stand before running water was available, and soliciting business advertisements to help support youth programs. Wherever Howard was involved, Alice was right beside him, working hard to help the community.

She also loved to travel, especially within the United States. Hawaii and Alaska were highlights, but one of her most treasured trips was to Plains, Georgia, where she attended a Sunday school class led by President Jimmy Carter. Afterward, she shared a hug and a photo with him, a memory she cherished deeply. She often said the reason Carter was not reelected was because he was "too honest to be a politician."

Alice is survived by her husband of 70 years, Howard Perrin; her sons, Joseph (Kim) Perrin, Tom (Vicki) Perrin, and Mark (Amy) Perrin; her grandchildren, Ashley Vasiloff, Kelsea (Travis) Berquist, Lane (Ashley) Perrin, Abby (Clinton) Smith, Allison (Jared) Helder, Luke (Nicole) Perrin, Nolan Perrin, and Peyton Perrin; eight great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, James (Terry) Weemhoff; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friend of more than 70 years, Barb Heemstra.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Harold (Delene) Smith, Margaret (Robert) Jenkins, William (Doris) Smith, Lyle (Esther) Smith, George Smith, Carl (Marty) Smith, Anna Mae (Lewis) Simons, and Robert (Joyce) Smith; and her sister-in-law, Joyce Metzner.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Saturday, August 23, from 2–4 PM at VanderLaan Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 24, at 2 PM at Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ, with Rev. Dan Furman officiating. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.