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Alice Creswick

November 24, 1921 - July 7, 2011
Ravenna, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, July 10, 2011
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Visitation

Sunday, July 10, 2011
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, July 11, 2011
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Hospice of Michigan
989 Spaulding SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49301
(616) 454-1426
Driving Directions
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Print

In many ways, Alice Creswick could be defined as a woman of substance, like the exceptional glass she so dearly appreciated and collected. Her life was lived full of color and intrigue, and never did she keep herself closed off from those she knew and loved. She made herself available to the family she so adored, and was never one to conform to the ordinary. In the end, the life Alice lived was a reflection of her vibrant and non-conforming spirit. Truly a unique woman, her generous spirit, giving nature and warmhearted ways was an inspiration and gift to be remembered with joy.

From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. It was during this time of change when a young couple from the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan anticipated the arrival of their second child, and on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1921, Anthony and Magdalina (Korhorn) Tanis found much to be thankful for when they welcomed Alice Marie into their hearts.

Having immigrated to the U.S. from their homeland of the Netherlands, Alice's parents were continuing to settle in to their American way of life after coming to the states just years prior. They made their home on a small farm in the rural area of Tallmadge Township, just west of the city of Grand Rapids. No strangers to hard work, her parents worked long and rigorous hours on the farm to provide for Alice and her siblings, Cliff, Raymond, Shirley, Marjorie, Elbert and Joanne. A close family, Alice continued to share a close bond with each of them throughout their lives. Many enjoyable and memorable holidays were spent together at home, and due to everyday needs when it came to a life of farming, family vacations were non-existent in their lives.

Alice shared wonderful memories growing up on her family farm. Her childhood was filled with many adventures and country time activities where she and her siblings often made their own fun. She attended Riverbend School, and even though she found herself in trouble after running away from school the day vaccinations were administered, Alice remained vaccination free for most of her life. As the eldest daughter, Alice was like a second mother to her younger siblings and cared for them as if they were her own. She later graduated from Grandville High School with the Class of 1939.

One of Alice's first jobs was a position in the bookkeeping office at the Jarvis and Barton Furniture Company. Little did she know that during this time she would come to meet the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. She met Howard Creswick through mutual friendships and pen pals during World War II while Howard was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp. They dated for a year, fell deeply in love and were happily joined in marriage on May 23, 1947. They spent a memorable honeymoon in Niagara Falls before returning home to begin life together as husband and wife.

Together Alice and Howard built their family home at 08525 Kenowa Avenue NW where they lovingly raised their three sons. Howard came along in 1948, followed by Steve in 1952, and Nathan completed their family in 1965. Alice's boys meant everything to her. She was a very protective parent, but through her pioneering spirit, she set a fine example of a woman who rarely conformed. She ventured through life with forward thinking, and took the initiative in areas few women dared to tread during this era. With three rambunctious boys, Alice was a fun-loving mother whose adventurous nature filled her son's lives with unending memories.

With artistic flair, Alice could see the beauty in the many things people pass by and take for granted. Her talent came by way of pen rather than stroke of brush, bringing her much contentment. When it came to material possessions, her collection of aged glass was her most prized belonging. After starting her own business as an antique dealer, Alice went on to become a published writer. Her specialty and passion included fruit jars and fine glassware, and she authored many books on the subject. Well versed, her continuing series of the Red Book numbering system saw over nine editions and is considered the "bible" for fruit jar collectors everywhere. In fact, Alice was personal friends with the Kerr and Ball families, makers of fruit jars.

Family vacations were usually spent out east and were business related, but she later enjoyed several trips to California and a wonderful cruise to the Caribbean which she enjoyed immensely. During her free time, Alice liked reading romance novels and considered ice cream and anything sweet as her favorite food. Although she excelled in many areas of her life, cooking was not one of them! If it could be placed in a crock pot or microwave, dinner was good to go, otherwise dining out was the fare of choice!

Like that of fine, aged glassware, so too was Alice Creswick a treasure in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Dearly missed, she will be cherished with fond remembrance at the very thought of her.

At the age of 89, Alice Marie Creswick, of Ravenna, formerly of Tallmadge Township, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard in January of 2000, and is survived by her children: Howard (Marilyn) Creswick, Steven (Norma) Creswick, Nathan (Andrea) Creswick; grandchildren: Rosemary (Tony) Pyles, Sharon Creswick, Lisa Creswick (fiancé Robert Reister), Rebecca (John) Saenz, Katja Creswick, Christopher Creswick, Andrew Creswick; six great-grandchildren; sister, Joan (James) Mc Clurken; brothers: Raymond (Florence) Tanis, Elbert (Maryann) Tanis; sister-in-law, Dena Tanis.

A service to celebrate Alice's life will be held Monday, July 11, 2011, 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Relatives and friends may meet with her family at the funeral home on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Contributions to Hospice of Michigan are appreciated. To read more about Alice’s life, share a favorite memory, photo, or to sign her online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

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