Elaine Brouwer

At the age of 97, Elaine Brouwer went home into the arms of the Lord during the morning of June 20, 2024. She had been receiving care at Friendship Village in the Health Center since September 8, 2015. Elaine was born and raised in Saint Joseph, Michigan, the ninth of ten children born to the late Albert and Therese (Dorow) Bittner. She moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan following her marriage to William "Bud" Brouwer on May 28, 1955 where they settled and built a home to raise their five children. Bud preceded her in passing in 1998. Elaine had a heart for serving her family, friends, and her church family. She always put others first, and one would rarely hear any complaints from her. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Elaine was always willing to provide a listening ear, share a smile, give a hug, and quietly provide support to others when she recognized an unmet need. She poured her heart into providing for her family. Getting up early each morning, she frequently was also the last one in the house to turn in for the night. In addition to caring for her family, she enjoyed tending her flowerbeds and feeding the many birds that came by for a meal. Elaine was always on the go transporting her kids to their various events as well as being active in helping at their schools. Elaine and Bud made their church home at Fourth Reformed Church where she was involved in the nursery and providing meals for families in need. When Elaine's health declined, she required care and her family is extremely grateful to the staff at Friendship Village Health Center for their compassionate care. During the past two years Elaine has had excellent support from Centrica Care Navigators Hospice staff. Elaine leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, dedication, and hard work. She is survived by four children, Richard (Debi) Brouwer, Linda (Larry) Vander Klok, Patti (Tom) Szuminski, Jim (Anne) Brouwer; grandchildren, Nathan (Bree) Brouwer, Nicholas (Heidi) Brouwer, Kylee (Kyle) Zomerlei, Rececca (Aaron) Gardner, Billy (Kimberly) Van Elk, Steven (Jenn) Van Elk, Theresa (Josh) Long, Josh (Hanna) Van Elk, Jed Vander Klok (Shwetha Srinivasan), Krista (Aaron) Dodds, Corrie (Andy) Messner, Andrew Szuminski (Lauren Sylvester), Sadie (Sean) Gallagher, Adalynn Brouwer, Joseph Brouwer (Ryan Lebuf), Samuel Brouwer, Jacob Brouwer; twenty-four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Lowell Clapp, sister-in-law, Dedee Bittner, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was also preceded in passing by a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jim Van Elk; granddaughter, Natalie Brouwer, and her nine siblings. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Elaine's life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 2:30 PM. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 PM, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Centrica Care Navigator Hospice or Friendship Village Health Center. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.