Maggie Olivier

When it came to caring for others, and with a kindness all her own, Maggie Olivier defined the meaning of loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Maggie faithfully devoted her time and talents to her church, and with her beautiful smile, she could light up a room with her heart of gold. Deeply missed, she will be long remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Maggie’s story began in a year that played a significant role in American history. As World War II raged overseas, rationing took place on the home front, and women entered the workforce in droves, replacing men who were off to war. While the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion made headlines, it made for worrisome hearts back home. However, the entertainment world brought welcome relief, and American baseball created a needed diversion during these times of struggle. Among the chaos, Louis and Josephine (Petz) DeVriendt of Grand Rapids, Michigan found reason to celebrate when on July 9, 1944 they welcomed the birth of their baby girl, Marguerite Therese.

The fourth of eventually five children, Maggie grew up alongside her siblings, Patty, Louis, Judy, and Terry in their family home on First Street NW. Her father worked as a caseworker at the County Welfare Agency while her mother, a homemaker, kept things running smoothly at home. Maggie enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and attended St. James Elementary School where she was a friend to many. Sadly, when Maggie was 11 years old, she experienced the death of her mother. Although it was a trying time, Maggie and her family pitched in. In time she acquired her first job working at John Ball Zoo, and went to West Catholic High School and later graduated from Catholic Central High School with the Class of 1962.

After high school, Maggie took a job at the County Welfare Agency where her father worked. With hopes and dreams for a bright future, Maggie could only imagine all the possibilities her life could hold.

While visiting a Standard gas station on the city's West side, Maggie's dreams were realized when she and Morris "Lee" Olivier struck up a conversation. Things really seemed to click, and before long they began dating. After several years and deeply in love, Maggie and Lee were happily married on August 8, 1964.

Following a memorable honeymoon on Mackinac Island, the young couple began their new life together as husband and wife. They settled into an apartment on Bridge Street, and soon started a family of their own with the eventual births of five children, David, Michael, Jodie, Jennifer, and Kristy. Nothing made Maggie happier than making a good home for her husband and kids. They bought a home at 1215 Veto NW where many memories were shared raising their family over the next 35 years before moving 12 years ago to a home on Woodcrest NW.

Dedicated to their Catholic faith, Maggie and her family were members of St. James Catholic Church where Maggie was involved with many parish functions and activities. She selflessly gave of her time and talents, as well as some of her wonderful cooking abilities, when needed. Maggie was a great cook of scrumptious family favorites such as chop suey, glombki, and German potato salad. She also baked the best pies and cakes, especially her delicious German chocolate cake. Whenever it was time to celebrate the kid's birthdays, she allowed them to select the menu for the day, including dessert.

Many great times were shared on family camping trips to Cedar Point in a truck camper. They enjoyed day trips to the beach in Grand Haven, and to Deer Park Fun Land, north of Muskegon. When her children grew older, Maggie took a job working the counter at Ferris Coffee and Nut Shop. She also worked in the cafeteria at West Catholic for a few years.

Maggie loved going to her ceramics classes where she enjoyed many friendships. Over the years she made many gifts for family and friends, which are now especially cherished treasures. In her free time, she loved reading Danielle Steele novels, working on crossword puzzles, and playing Scrabble. She lived for watching her soap operas on TV, and watched a little NASCAR, too. Whether with friends or family, Maggie had the gift for gab. She loved talking on the phone, and could do so for hours! With her friendly disposition, Maggie could easily strike up a conversation with nearly anyone, and it was always a delight to share her company. Her compassion, concern and care for others was without end.

In 1995, Maggie suffered a heart attack which required quadruple bypass surgery. She recovered quite well, and her love of family was her strength. On Labor Day in 1997, Maggie suffered a stroke, followed by several more over the next few years. However, a major stroke in December of 2010 found Maggie in need of additional care. She was placed in a care facility, and for the last three years she has resided at The Christian Rest Home where her family faithfully visited and kept her company.

After suffering a heart attack Monday morning, Maggie was hospitalized. Quite ill, her body could no longer fight, and later that afternoon on April 14, 2014, at 5:44 PM, Marguerite T. "Maggie" Olivier, aged 69 of Grand Rapids, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Family was foremost the center of Maggie Olivier's life. Her unconditional love for them never waned, and she bestowed an example of caring kindness for her children to live by. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and with her sweet and kind demeanor, there wasn't anything Maggie wouldn't do for those she loved and cared about. Ever loving, Maggie's giving and gentle heart made days brighter for all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving this special woman.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Josephine DeVriendt and by her brother, Louis (Jean) DeVriendt. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Morris “Lee” Olivier; her children, David Olivier, Michael Olivier, Jodie (Lynn) Kingsbury, Jennifer (Ray) Cameron, Kristy Olivier; her five grandchildren, Emily Olivier, Meaghan Kingsbury, Gavin Kingsbury, Jack Cameron, Marie Cameron; her sisters and brother, Patty Scheidel, Judy Rowland, Terry (Kathy) DeVriendt; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The Service of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 17, 2014, 11:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 520 Myrtle NW. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7–9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Christian Rest Home Foundation. The family wishes to thank the Christian Rest Home for the loving care extended to Maggie and her family these last three years. To read more about Maggie’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave your own memory of her, please visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.