Genevieve Reed

Genevieve M. Reed was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked most of her life to care for and support her family, but always found time to have fun. In spite of the tragedies in her life, Genevieve was a happy person, as shown by the many “smiley faces” that adorned her home and yard. She loved the simple things in life, surrounded by her family.

1925 found the country in the middle of the “Roaring Twenties”. For those living in big cities, it was a time of flappers and speak-easies. For those living in smaller mid-western communities, it was a time of hard work and raising families. Such was the life of Peter and Henrietta (Zeldam) Vander Weg, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On December 16, 1925, the family received an early Christmas present with the arrival of baby Genevieve. The Vander Weg family would later vibrate with the sounds and laughter of Marie, Edna, Harold, Perry and John. Genevieve was never at a loss for a playmate.

A short time after, Peter and Henrietta moved their family to Myrtle Street on the near west side of Grand Rapids. Genevieve attended school at the Harrison Park School and then went on to Union High School. Unfortunately, Henrietta became very ill and Genevieve was forced to leave school after the 10th grade to help care for her mother. Wanting to do her part for her family, she also worked cleaning homes for different families around the city.

Genevieve loved to dance and often attended dances at a dance hall in downtown Grand Rapids. It was here that she met a handsome young man named Francis Reed. Immediately attracted to each other, Francis soon asked Genevieve to marry him. She happily said “yes” and they were married on November 30, 1945. This blessed union produced 5 wonderful children – sons George, Francis, Stephen and Henry, and daughter Millison. Now Genevieve’s main focus was caring for her family, and as the boys got older, she became very active in the Boy Scouts. During this time, the family moved to Coral, Michigan, a community south of Howard City in Montcalm County. Genevieve and Francis operated a hardware store in Howard City, where she worked, while Francis drove 37 miles each way to work in Grand Rapids. After a while, the long commute became too much and the family moved to Dale Street on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, where Genevieve would make her home for the rest of her days. Their new enterprise was running the food concession at Union Station in downtown Grand Rapids. With her food knowledge and skills, Genevieve also was a cook and helped manage the Cottage Steak House on Jefferson St.

Later on, Genevieve returned to cleaning, working for Grand Rapids Building Services, doing cleaning and custodial work in various office buildings. But the food business called again, and she began working for Profit Foods at the General Motors Plant in Grand Rapids. This was the firm that operated the lunch concession in the factory. She finally retired in 1982, after working most of her life.

Genevieve loved being involved and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and a member of FOE #301. She still enjoyed dancing and she and Francis were always ready for a good time. When at home, her constant companions were her beloved dogs, her “pups”. An avid collector of “smiley faces”, they were everywhere. They adorned her house, her kitchen, even her yard. In her kitchen could be found ”smiley faces” on aprons, canister sets, cookie jars, etc. In many ways they reflected her cheerful personality.

As a child, Genevieve and her family had been members of the Second Methodist Church, now known as Faith United Methodist. While not an active member in later years, she faithfully spent her Sunday mornings watching Dr. Robert Schuler’s services from the Crystal Cathedral.

After retirement, she and Francis had time to enjoy their place on Bills Lake in Newaygo County. It was here they would go for weekends when they were working and any other time when they needed to get away from the “busyness” of life and just relax. They both enjoyed working in the garden. Sadly, Francis died in 1988 after a lingering illness.

Although life had been good to Genevieve, it also brought her great tragedy. Son Frank died in 1964 as the result of an auto accident. He was 24 years old. In 1994 son George died of a heart attack at the age of 56 and in 1998 son Stephen died of injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was 53.

In spite of all that life dealt her, Genevieve Reed will be remembered as a hard working lady who loved to have a good time and loved to be with and take care of her family. The happy memories will live on in the hearts of her children, grand children and great-grandchildren.

Genevieve M. Reed, aged 79 of Grand Rapids died Monday January 24, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, her sons George, Francis and Stephen and one great granddaughter, her sisters Marie and Edna and her brothers Harold and Perry and her three companions Sadie, Barney 1 and Barney 2 and is now survived by her companion Oreo. Surviving are her son Henry “Hank” (Sharon) Reed of North Muskegon, daughter Millison “Millie” (Charles) Hughey of Kentwood, her daughters-in-law Linda Reed of Plainfield Twp., Jane Lee of Kentwood, Linda Smith of Stuart FL, 10 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, her brother John (Jack) Vander Weg of Cutlerville, several nieces, nephews and several adopted and foster children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 A.M. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. with Dr. Bradley Kalajainen officiating. Interment to follow in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Mrs. Reed reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet her family Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Hospice of Holland Home would be appreciated. Please visit Genevieve’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online register book.

Genevieve loved everyone very much and will be missed by all who knew her. The family would especially like to thank the staff of Holland Home Hospice, members of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Dr. Michael App and staff, and family, friends and neighbors for their loving care, concern and support.