Alice I. VanAntwerp

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we bid farewell to Alice VanAntwerp, a compassionate and nurturing soul whose life was a testament to love and selflessness. She peacefully entered eternal life early Wednesday morning, October 18, at Independence Village of Petoskey at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and an indelible mark on the lives she touched.
Alice was born in Detroit on June 3, 1930, to the late Harold and Edith (Martin) Gohl. From birth, Alice was given the nickname, "Prune", an endearing name that many of her relatives still called her. She married John "Jack" VanAntwerp on September 3, 1955, at St. Monica Catholic Church in Detroit. Sadly, Jack passed away on May 22, 2001, after 45 wonderful years of marriage.
Alice dedicated her life to the noble mission of caregiving. Her heart overflowed with generosity, always putting others before herself. For her, being a caregiver was not merely a duty; it was a calling, a purpose that defined her existence. Her actions were a living testament to her belief in compassion and the power of giving. She selflessly poured her love into her family and community, embodying the essence of a true caregiver.
Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart; they were her world. The love and pride she felt for them were immeasurable, and she never missed an opportunity to be part of their lives, cherishing every concert, play, and sporting event, big or small, in their journey.
For 40 years, Alice was an active member of the Servant Church of St. Alexander, where she found solace and purpose in serving her faith community. The closure of her church in 2015 was a profound loss for her, reflecting the deep emotional connection she had with her church family. Moreover, Alice was known to have a prayer list longer than Santa's gift list!
Her devotion extended beyond her church to the residents of Camelot Nursing Home in Livonia, where she was a tireless caregiver, not only to her dear brother Frank Olson but also to his fellow residents. She enriched each of their lives, bringing joy through Christmas parties, creating a Christmas store, and always providing essentials and treats, even carrying in cases of water into her 80s! Her caring spirit clearly knew no bounds.
Christmas held a special place in Alice's heart, a time when she transformed the season into a magical and memorable celebration for her loved ones and it was deeply important to her to forever keep CHRIST in Christmas. Her creativity shone through in the beautiful wreaths for every season she crafted for 45 years, a testament to her passion for spreading joy and beauty.
Among her many interests was her love for Red Wing Hockey, demonstrating her enthusiasm for life and the simple joys that brought her happiness. Undoubtedly there are less than 5 people who have watched more hockey games than Alice in 93 years and her family fondly recalled there being hockey game on the tv in the background always.
Throughout her lifetime, Alice bore witness to countless family events and celebrations, never missing an opportunity to support and share in the joys of her grandchildren. She was the "best" grandmother, a title she undoubtedly earned through her unwavering love and devotion to each of her 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Faith, family, and even a love for chocolate were the ingredients that sustained Alice throughout her 93 remarkable years on this earth. Her life was a beacon of love, kindness, and compassion that will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.
In honoring her memory, let us strive to embody the generosity and caring spirit that defined Alice's remarkable 93-year journey, and may we continue her legacy of making the world a better place through acts of kindness and selfless giving.
Rest in peace, dear Alice. You will forever remain in our hearts, a guiding light of love and compassion.
Surviving are five devoted children, John (Mary) VanAntwerp, Jan (Robert) Evans, Paul (Donna) VanAntwerp, Mark (Brenda) VanAntwerp, and Jim (Tammy) VanAntwerp; grandchildren, Kelly (Ryan) Majauskas, Courtney (fiancé Joe Snyder) VanAntwerp, Joe (Janna) VanAntwerp, Rob (Alison) Evans, Brian (Josephine Hamilton) Evans, Jack Evans, Michael VanAntwerp, Madison (Nick Barry) VanAntwerp, Max VanAntwerp, Mickey VanAntwerp, Cassie (Todd Meyers) Mercer, Kylee Mercer, Allyson (Zach Manneback) VanAntwerp, and Andrew VanAntwerp; great-grandchildren, Beau, Henry and Juliet Majauskas, JJ VanAntwerp, and Ethan Mercer; siblings, Judy (the late Tom) Hart, Jackie Libby, and Rick (Jeanette) Gohl; as well as a host of friends. In addition to her husband, Alice was preceded in death by siblings, Diana Gohl, Frank Olson, Dolly (the late Pete) Hauk, and Glen (the late Clarice) Gohl.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Monday, October 23, from 2-7pm.
Alice's funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday morning, October 24, at 11:00 am (in state at 10:30 am) at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Rd., (btw. 8-9 Mile Roads), Farmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills.
Kindly keep Alice and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.