Marie Bouman

Jeanette “Marie” Bouman had a smile that could light up a room. She had a way about her that made others feel warm and appreciated. She gave so much of her time and energy to other people; though she made her family her life’s work. They were the ones she shared her life with and the ones who brought her life immeasurable joy. With her kind and generous heart coupled with her lively spirit, Marie brought light and life to all those within her reach.

The decade of the “Roaring Twenties” was a fantastic period in our nation’s history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of Jazz, the golden age of industry and above all, a time of plenty. It was into this bustling world that Albert and Ada Huber of Barryton, Michigan welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Jeannette Marie, on August 7, 1926. Marie, as she was called, was the youngest of four children. She led a typical childhood growing up in the small community of Barryton with her two brothers, Albert and Harold, sister, Ada Belle, and two half brothers, Del and Joe. Her family was of modest means and didn’t own a car, so once a month they would walk to town together to get whatever they needed. Marie loved to fish at her favorite water hole in the Martiny Chain of Lakes (Tubbs Lake), perhaps bringing her catch home for dinner.

Marie was a sweet, bubbly young girl who was known to get into her fair share of mischief too. She and her best friend, Sylvia, would sneak out at night and go down the road to the dance hall and sit under the window, listening to the groovy music. But Marie usually found most of her mayhem at night. Like when she and her friends strolled through her neighbor’s watermelon patch after dark and just as they were about to be caught, her friend ran and left her “holding the watermelon.” Those were fun times! Marie received her education in the Big Rapids area schools, but left after the 10th grade.

There was a young boy named Bastian Cornelius Bouman, who Marie grew up with and would eventually become her husband. Bastian didn’t make a very good first impression though because he threw a snowball at Marie before they even knew each other, something she never forgot. He later went off to serve in the military during World War II, but their paths crossed again when a friend brought him to a gathering that Marie was also at. Marie was asked to fetch water from the well, and Bastian followed her there. It must have been a magical moment because they had their first kiss at the well and with that, their love story had begun. Just 10 days later, Marie and Bastian eloped and were married by the Justice of the Peace on May 3, 1946, and went on to share 63 wonderful years together.

After saying “I do,” the newlyweds settled down to married life in Big Rapids. Not long after, they bought a farm in Paris, Michigan, and it was here that they would raise their eight children: Michael (Corky), Sharon, James, William, Marcia, Joseph, Connie and Sandra, as well as their niece, Kathy, and nephew, Bobby. Marie was undoubtedly a very busy homemaker and mother. She was always very attentive, loving and devoted to her family’s care, yet she was a firm disciplinarian too. Marie could often be heard saying “I’m going to knock some heads together” or when she was at her wits end she would say, “You just wait until your Dad gets home.” Nonetheless, the kids were all made to believe they were her favorite. When it came to getting away, the family headed to their cabin in Pickford in the Upper Peninsula. Here, Marie loved to spend the day fishing on the Munuscong River or out in the Bay. They made this trip so many times Marie knew every mile marker between Big Rapids and Pickford. One of Marie’s absolute favorite vacations, however, was their trip to Mount Rushmore with 3 kids in a pick up camper. Later, in their retirement years, Marie and Bastian enjoyed many winters in sunny Florida.

Marie had such a generous spirit and was always thinking of others before herself. She was a devoted caregiver to many of her elderly family members, giving them hope, love and comfort. For Marie, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She derived great joy from watching her children and grandchildren grow and succeed. A big Detroit Tiger fan, Marie loved to attend her kids’ and grandkids’ baseball games when they were younger. Back in the day, she also went to the Big Time Wrestling at the Armory. She took them mushrooming too, and paid a quarter to whoever found the first one. Some of Marie’s most cherished moments were of giving her grandchildren their first bath after being brought home from the hospital. From that moment on, they were in her heart to stay!

So easygoing, Marie was never one to complain and always had a positive thought for any situation. After her “daily” 20 minute nap, she was fresh as a daisy and ready with a smile. She had many interests and hobbies she enjoyed in her leisure time, like cooking, playing cards (pedro, cribbage) and Bingo. She loved to read, particularly westerns by Louis L’Amour, as well as watch westerns on TV and Myron Floren, the accordionist on the Lawrence Welk Show. In the last few years, Marie was able to try her luck at all the casinos in the Upper Peninsula with her daughter, Sharon, and also take a trip to the Niagara Falls. Marie was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Big Rapids.

What gave Marie the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed – her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Jeanette “Marie” Bouman, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, with her family by her side at Altercare of Big Rapids. She is survived by her eight children: four sons (spouses), Michael “Corky” (Helen) Bouman, Jim (Kelly) Bouman, William Bouman, and Joe (Christine) Bouman, and four daughters (spouses), Sharon (Virgil) Snider, Marcia (Brad) Thomson, Connie (Mike) Sheldon, and Sandy (Steve) Larie. Jeanette is also survived by 34 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 63 years, Bastian Cornelius Bouman, brothers, Albert and Harold Huber, sister, Ada Belle (Urban) Thompson, and half-brothers, Del (Vivian) and Joe Perry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Big Rapids, with visitation on Friday, April 13, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home, and Saturday before the memorial service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Interment will be at West Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Please visit Marie’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory with her family and sign the online guest book.