Peggy Gezon

All who knew Peggy Gezon would agree that she was beautiful on the inside and out. She was gracious, kindhearted, and genuine, but what made her truly radiate with beauty was her unwavering faith. It was no secret that Peggy was married to the love of her life, and it was their love that brought forth the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Life was not without times of trial for her, but she faced whatever came her way with both strength and courage that were also deeply rooted in her precious faith. Life will never be the same without Peggy here, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

It was great to be an American during the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was leading the way to cars that were mass produced on assembly lines, the end of the silent film era, and radios that brought people their news, their entertainment, and plenty of jazz music that was all the rage. It was during this exciting time that Claude and Joyce (Bringgold) Ingersol were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter held Pine Island, Minnesota, firmly in its grip in January of 1922. Their wait was over on January 30th when the baby girl they named Peggy E. made her arrival. When she was very young she and her family, which grew to include two siblings, moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they settled into a home on the North end of the city. There, Peggy was a typical young girl of her generation and attended local schools. She went on to graduate from Creston High School in 1940.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was her introduction to a fellow classmate who would prove to be the love of her life. His name was Robert (Bob) Gezon, and they enjoyed being together. Peggy and Bob became friends, which later gave way to a deep love and they graduated as high school sweethearts. After graduating, Bob went off to serve in the military during WWII. Upon his return, Peggy and Bob were married in Grand Rapids during the late 1940s. The couple eventually settled into a home on the North side of Grand Rapids, and it was there that they welcomed four children including Bruce, Mark, Jeff, and Kim into their hearts and home. They also made priceless family memories up on the Manistee River North of Baldwin where they built a cabin on their property. The Gezon family loved spending time there doing things like fishing, swimming, and having fun in the woods. Faith was an important part of family life, and they were charter members of Riverside Christian Reformed Church. As someone who loved singing, Peggy was an active member of the church choir. In 1979, she was deeply saddened with Bob’s death.

In addition to caring for her family, Peggy kept busy with other things as well. She spent 20 years working as a registrar at the Kent Skills Center, which was a perfect fit for her since she loved interacting with people and had a special place in her heart for children. Peggy continued to sing in church, and she was also a member of the Sweet Adeline’s, a women’s barbershop singing group. Peggy covered the bass part of this group for more than 50 years and truly loved it. She also joined various local singing groups when they went to sing for local retirement homes and at other venues where unrehearsed and impromptu singing would take place. An avid golfer, Peggy often played with girlfriends and participated on a woman's golf league.

Later in life Peggy continued to make the most of the days she was given. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too As she needed more care, Peggy moved to Heather Hills Retirement Community where she was quickly recognized as a happy person with a very outgoing, kind, and compassionate heart. She made numerous friends there and was loved by everyone she met.

With unending love for her family, Peggy Gezon lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near. She was a woman of faith whose life exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Peggy’s warmth and gracious spirit drew others near with ease. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

GEZON – Mrs. Peggy E. Gezon, aged 94 of Grand Rapids passed away Monday March 21, 2016. She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Bob Gezon. Surviving are her children: Bruce Gezon, Mark Gezon, Jeff and Deb Gezon, Kim and Mick Smith, 7 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Peggy was an avid singer and sang in her church choir and with the Sweet Adeline’s for over 50 years and any occasion that allowed her to join in song. Peggy and Bob were charter members of Riverside Christian Reformed Church. Peggy was an amazing example of faith and forgiveness to her family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness in Peggy’s life will be held Friday at 11 A.M. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. with Rev. Benjamin Browneye of Riverside Christian Reformed Church officiating. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Heather Hills staff for their years of care and to Spectrum Hospice for the compassionate end of life care they provided. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family at the funeral home Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M. and again on Friday from 10 AM until the time of the memorial service. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to either Riverside Christian Reformed Church Memorial Fund or the charity of ones choice. To read more of Peggy’s life, leave a memory, share a memory and sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com