Mary Elaine Zwaanstra

Zwaanstra, Mary Elaine Vanden Bosch
Mary Elaine Vanden Bosch Zwaanstra, (Grand Rapids, Mi) beloved child of God, departed this life on February 9, 2024, to live eternally with her maker. Mary's caring service to the world included nursing, social work and college teaching. We remember her as a gift giver, quilt maker, spiritual presence, justice advocate and mentor and friend to many. A bright-eyed, determined, life-long learner, Mary spent her later years as a contemplative. With friend and confidant Essie Yff-Prins, she traveled to spiritual retreat centers here and abroad, as well as becoming an Associate of the Dominican Center.

Mary was the eldest child of Marvin and Casey Vanden Bosch, and sibling to Carol (Fritz dec) Rottman, Glenn (dec) (Carol) Vanden Bosch, Susan (Larry) Kieft and Bill Vanden Bosch. They grew up in Denver and spent many happy days in the mountains of Marble, Colorado.

Mary attended Calvin College (now University) and Blodgett School of Nursing, and later became the college nurse. She completed her undergrad degree at Aquinas College and a MSW from Western Michigan. After careers in both nursing and social work, she became a professor of social work at Kuyper College and then Calvin University, where she concluded her career. Her legacy includes a scholarship in geriatric social work at Calvin University and lifelong membership in the Christian Reformed Church. She was part of the worshipping community at Woodlawn CRC.

The loved children of Mary (and the late Henry Zwaanstra) include Karl Zwaanstra, Kerrie (Roger) De Vries, and Matthew (Sheri) Zwaanstra
Mary was affectionately known as "Ema" to her grandchildren--Rebecca (Mike) Harms, Matthew (Kaccey) De Vries, Trent (engaged to Sarah Dennis) De Vries, Valerie (Eric) Gallegos and Kathleen (Nic) Lindstrom and Great Ema to Callie Sue Harms and Wrenley Addison De Vries.

She counted among her closest friends the "Purplehood," a group of women who pledged to enjoy life together and always support one another, which included Ruth Stubbs, Dottie Wiersma, Essie Yff-Prins, and the late Andi Dekker. Also, a special friend and colleague to Rodger Rice, for whom she provided spiritual direction.

Mary treasured the words of another Mary (Oliver) To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, let it go.

A service of remembrance will be held at the Raybrook Chapel on March 16. 2024 at 11am. Interment will be at the Olive Township Cemetery.