Eileen J. DeMeester

Marked by a time of prosperity, the Roaring Twenties emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. Yet for Andrew M. and Anje (Bruggema) Dreyer, a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the year 1927 brought the blessing of new life when on May 10 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Eileen Jaqueline.

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Eileen’s father was a bank teller while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. The eldest of eventually three children, Eileen was later joined by her younger sister, Pernella, and brother, Marlin. Raised on Arianna NW where Eileen enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation, she attended West Side Christian Elementary School and the friendships of many. Although the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic struggle for all, Eileen and her family held fast to their faith.

Along with their rich, Dutch heritage, faith was an integral part of the Dreyer family. They were devoted members of Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church where Eileen grew in her faith. After graduating from Christian High School in 1944, A young man by the name of John DeMeester attended the same church as Eileen. After being formally introduced, the couple began dating, fell in love, and was happily married. As a member of the U.S. Army, Eileen's new husband returned to his duties while Eileen remained with her parents awaiting his return. At the end of the war John was honorably discharged after just six months of service. Eileen and her beloved John took up where they left off. They made their first home together on Everett Street in Walker and later moved to a home on Richmond Street. Throughout these years, they were blessed with four children, including Harry, Lynn, James, and Laurie. Raising their family in faith, they were members of Walker Avenue Christian Reformed Church and later, Westview Christian Reformed Church.

Eileen was very involved in the lives of her children and church. A talented seamstress, she loved to sew and made many outfits for herself and her daughters. For a time she even taught sewing classes through 4-H. She and John loved camping and along with their family, memorable times were shared doing so. They enjoyed many vacations with their travel trailer, taking many vacations all over the United States. Over the years they graduated to larger trailers before eventually purchasing their motor home, enabling them the opportunity to visit every state in the lower 48.

As her children grew older, Eileen worked as an LPN at Beacon Light Nursing Home in nearby Marne where she remained for many years. In her free time, she loved reading novels, and she absolutely loved spending time with her grandchildren. She and John remained very social. They were always involved with church activities and sharing time with their many friends. When her husband began suffering from heart issues, Eileen was there right by his side. Following his death in December of 2001, Eileen continued living in her Richmond Street home. In 2006, she moved to Covenant Village of the Great Lakes where she made many new friends and reacquainted herself with many old friends. While at Covenant Village, Eileen was very active and involved until the last few years when she began slowing down due to congestive heart failure. As her condition worsened, she was placed under the care of hospice two months ago, until her passing on Friday morning, August 19, 2016, when she went to be with her Lord and Savior.

Eileen DeMeester was a strong Christian woman of great faith. She cherished her family and enjoyed the friendships of many. Although deeply missed, she will be remembered with joy.

Eileen J. DeMeester (Dreyer) aged 89 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. She was preceded in death by her husband, John DeMeester in 2001. She is survived by her children, Harry (Sandy) DeMeester, Lynn (Ken) Rozema, James (Diane) DeMeester, Laurie (Richard) Engle; 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; her sister, Pernella Gritter; her brother Marlin (Muriel) Dreyer; many nieces, nephews and friends. Eileen was a loving and dedicated, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and a friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. A memorial service to celebrate Eileen’s life will be held on Friday, August 26 at 1:00 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes Chapel, 2520 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Covenant Village Chapel on Friday from 12:00 noon until the service begins at 1:00 PM. To read more about Eileen’s life, to leave your own memory of her and to sign her guest book, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com