Sondra Madsen

Sondra "Sonnie" Alyce (VanMaanen) Madsen, age 71, of Grand Rapids, MI peacefully went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 at Whispering Woods Senior Living. Sondra was born on September 23rd, 1945 to Leroy & Alyce VanMaanen in Kalamazoo and raised in Vicksburg, MI. An honors graduate from Vicksburg High School, Sondra first began her career at UpJohn and earned a degree from Kalamazoo Beauty School. She became a very talented and successful hair designer until her retirement. Sondra had a unique ability to comfort, and provide joy for her family, friends, customers and even people she hardly knew. Always leaving the room brighter then when she arrived. Sondra loved her Dutch Heritage; tulips, wooden Dutch shoes, windmills, all the Delft blue & white ceramics and bells from the Netherlands. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite hymn was Amazing Grace. Most of all she treasured the vast beautiful sand dunes, scenery, fresh air and "Blue" waters of Lake Michigan. Sondra's loving personality, her warm smile, and witty sense of humor will live on through her three children Mary Walker (Gary), Gayla Fox (Carl), Daniel Madsen (Lisa), her brother Leroy VanMaanen (Gloria), her sister Helen Rishel (John), her sister-in-law Kathy VanMaanen, and her five grandchildren; Reilly & Palmer Madsen, Jeannie Fox and Sam & Dylan Walker. At the request of Sondra, there will be no calling hours and no funeral but a Memorial Service to celebrate Sondra's life will be held for family and friends at a time to be determined.