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Josephine Nyp

July 31, 1924 - July 4, 2017
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, July 8, 2017
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Van Strien Creston Chapel
1833 Plainfield Ave., N.E
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 361-2613
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, July 8, 2017
11:00 AM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Van Strien Creston Chapel
1833 Plainfield Ave., N.E
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 361-2613
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Corewell Health Hospice
750 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(866) 542-7945
Driving Directions
Web Site

Fountain View Assisted Living
11392 East Fulton
Lowell, MI 49331
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Josephine Nyp was an exceptionally caring and compassionate woman. She loved to engage in conversation with people and lived happily sharing her valuable resources over the years. Jo was a devoted member of her church and lived a faith-filled life where she trusted in her Lord and Savior. Even at the end of her days, she never wavered in her steadfast trust in His divine grace. Fondly remembered for her easy going and enjoyable personality, Jo leaves behind a rich collection of wonderful memories to be savored for years to come.

The 1920’s were a period of economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. Jazz music was booming as well as the automotive industry. The nation was seeing large scale industrial growth which brought about significant changes during this time. With the media focused on celebrities, John and Johanna (Otte) Schrier welcomed home their firstborn daughter, Josephine on July 31, 1924, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born during a mark in history that was filled with feelings of both freedom and independence, Jo’s birth brought them much hope and promise.

Jo’s childhood was typical of the times. She was proud to be raised by Dutch immigrants who spoke Dutch in the family home. Most of her growing up years were spent in the heart of the city at 1158 East Fulton Street. There, she learned to tend to her younger siblings, ice skate, and enjoy the park at Reeds Lake. The Depression years were hard on her family and Jo was often responsible for helping out and pitching in around the family home. When holidays were tight, the family was often supported by The Santa Claus Girls, an organization who provided gifts for the family. After successfully graduating from high school, she took an office position at Lear Siegler, a growing industry known over the years for making car seats, brakes, and weapons control gear for military fighter planes. With the increased need for females to work during the war years, she remained employed with the company into the early 50’s just as the unprecedented need for aviation technology was on the rise.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the man of her dreams; Harry Nyp! Harry’s brother brought him into her office one day and when they laid eyes on one another, the rest was history! Klise Memorial Chapel at East Congregational Church was the setting for their marriage ceremony on July 22, 1948. Tight on funds, they moved into a small home above Harry’s uncle’s bicycle shop before they were able to purchase their home on Emerald Lake. Harry's younger sister and her husband lived with them for about a year before she and Harry started their own family. Committed to strengthening their relationship with their faith, they actively attended Aberdeen Reformed Church, where they remained for many years. Their neighborhood seemed to come alive during the years they raised their two sons. There were always kids to play with, cookouts to attend, and holiday gatherings. She and Harry built wonderful relationships with several of the families and were very happy during those years. Jo stayed home to care for both Michael and Mark, never missing a beat when it came to seeing to it that their needs were met. She relished in her years of mothering and enjoyed cooking and keeping a tidy home. Never one to remain idle, she flourished with a routine and managed the boys’ busy schedules. When any additional funds became available, they put them back into their expanding home. The family also enjoyed several summer vacations to AmVets Cabins on Higgins Lake or to visit Harry's friend in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula.

A simple woman, Jo held many special interests over the years. She was never one to want much, in fact, her greatest happiness was found in her family. Being the oldest meant that she often was given the collections of other family members when they passed on. With a keen eye for decorating and good deals, she’d lean on the Home Shopping and QVC to add to these collections over time. Her most cherished collection was her angels. She owned a wide variety and each one was unique. When the children were grown, she and Harry took a memorable trip to Europe and explored many of the significant sites of WWII. Being from what is referred to as The Greatest Generation, they cherished this trip and the importance those years played in their early lives. Social by nature, Jo enjoyed attending many church activities and built many significant relationships with other members over the years. She also enjoyed planting flowers in her window boxes and tending to her garden beds in the yard. During the long Michigan winters, she’d often dabble in different crafts. She was known to paint, work with glass, or curl up with a good book.

Nothing brought her greater pleasure than seeing her family all together having a good time catching up and sharing in laughter. Jo was a great host of nearly each and every holiday, but Christmas was her favorite. Often making her traditional dishes and paying attention to every detail, she loved to dote on her family members! She had a genuine interest in their current lives and activities. As her health declined in recent years, she relied on her faith and daily prayers to give her strength. A patriotic woman of her time, it was uniquely fitting that she passed away on Independence Day. Jo’s warm presence and endearing ways will be greatly missed and lovingly cherished by her special family and close friends.

Josephine Nyp, age 92 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 4, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; and her brothers, Casey and Jake Schrier. Jo is survived by her children Michael (Jayme) Nyp, Mark (Gina) Nyp; grandchildren Jason (Sarah), Brandee, Cody (Shelby), Tiffany (Chad) Whittington, Ashely (David) Silverest; great-grandchildren; Wyatt, Lane, Michaela and Ally-Jo; sister, Nell Dandrow and sisters-in-law, Helen and Willie Schrier. The service to remember and celebrate Jo's life will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE where friends may visit with her family from 10 AM until the service and for a time immediately following the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Fountain View Assisted Living Center in Lowell, or Spectrum Health Hospice are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com

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