Violet Weiss

Although her journey was greatly enriched by so many things, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Violet Weiss than her family. As a longtime resident of the community she loved, she was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Violet treasured her role as a mother, but she just may have argued that there was nothing better than witnessing her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. With unending devotion to the people and things she loved, Violet was a blessing to everyone she met.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the perils of WWII. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods such as rubber, coffee, paper, and sugar. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1944 when William and Frances Bush were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall unfolded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that October. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Violet M. drew her first breath on October 19th. She was the youngest of three children, joined in her family by her older siblings, Bobby and Pauline. Violet’s father worked for a local paper mill while her mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways, Violet was a young girl of her generation. Raised in the family home in Kalamazoo, she enjoyed the simple things like riding her bike around town. Violet attended local schools and graduated from Parchment High School in 1962. From there she continued her education at Parker Business School. Violet was so proud of being the first in her family to attend college, and she earned her associate’s degree.

Not to be forgotten during Violet’s years in high school was her introduction to the man of her dreams. His name was Norbert Weiss, and they were neighbors. He once heard Violet’s voice on the party line, which was the way that telephones worked back then. Smitten, he asked her out. At first Violet resisted, but after he asked her out a few times she finally agreed. That date led to more dates, and in December of 1962 they were married. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Carman and Norbert Jr. “Andy.” Violet completely devoted herself to caring for her family, and she was as nurturing and compassionate as they come. As her children grew and established families of their own, Violet couldn’t have been happier. She was thrilled to be a grandmother, and she looked forward to Christmas every year because it was a time for the family to all be together. Violet loved preparing food for her family, and she always went over and above to make it special. Violet regularly babysat her grandchildren and loved watching them play outside her bay window.

With a variety of different interests, Violet was always one to be busy. She was very proud to be a Native American and also a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian Tribe in Dowagiac where she regularly attended their pow wows. Violet was an animal lover, and she always had dogs and cats around. She did work outside of the home for the KVISD from 1976 through 1999. Violet enjoyed doing arts and crafts with hook rugs and crocheting being among her favorites. In addition, she liked reading English mystery novels and biographies, and she passed her love of reading on to her kids. Although reading became more difficult after her stroke, Violet was still able to enjoy reading by listening to books on tape. She also enjoyed relaxing with the History Channel and Court TV.

All who knew Violet Weiss would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was never one to worry about what she had, rather, her focus was on how she could bless those around her. Deeply loved, Violet will be forever missed.

Violet M Weiss, of Alamo Twp died on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Violet’s family includes her two children: Carman Merriam, of Plainwell; Andy (Terri) Weiss, of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren: Bryson, Christian, Tyler, Angie and Andrea; three great grandchildren: Devon, Cody and Jace; nieces and nephews: Judy (David) Anziano, Jon (Debbie) DeRyke, and Don DeRyke, all of CA; special friends: Teri (Dale) Rutherford and their children: Westley, Tammy and Robert all of Kendall. Violet was preceded in death by her parents: William and Frances Bush; and siblings: Bobby and Pauline. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13th at 1 p.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). The family will receive friends starting at noon until the time of the service. Please visit Violet’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Woods Edge Learning Center.