Loraine Doornbos

Although her life was filled with such blessings, none were as great as the promise Loraine Doornbos felt deep within her as a woman of faith. She exemplified what it means to be both the hands and feet of the Lord she loved as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother who savored every memory they made together. Life was not always easy for Loraine, but she faced whatever came her way with a quiet strength coupled with graceful courage that were a testament to her unwavering faith. More quiet and reserved, she was passionate about the things she believed in and didn’t shy away from holding others to the same moral compass that guided her every step. Deeply loved, Loraine will be forever missed.

More than a century has passed since our nation experienced the trials of the early 1900s. It was on September 16, 1914, that John and Adriana (Vander Pyl) Van Zwoll announced the birth of the baby girl they named Loraine in Rochester, New York. She was one of the older children among her nine siblings, and having a large family made for great memories. Loraine and her family moved to a home at 52 Grove Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan, when she was a young girl. Raised in the faith, the Van Zwolls attended Coldbrook CRC, and she spent her high school years at Grand Rapids Christian High School, usually walking both to and from school. Loraine loved the outdoors and was physically active, playing basketball in high school. After high school she spent a few years in the workforce including at Globe Knitting Works.

New and exciting changes were in store for Loraine when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Henry Doornbos, and it didn't take the couple long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on September 11, 1936. The newlyweds moved into a home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids where they started their family, but the bulk of their child rearing years were spent in a home near Softwater Lake. Together Loraine and Henry welcomed three children including their sons, Bob and Gordon, and their daughter, Mary.

Throughout her life Loraine’s primary focus was her family. She took excellent care of things around the house where everything was always meticulously clean while also making sure that her husband and children had everything they needed. Loraine had high expectations for her children, and while she was strict and willing to correct behavior when needed she was also very loving, positive, and rewarding. Her children knew she would kiss them every night as she tucked them in, and Loraine was always there whenever her children needed her. When their children were young they enjoyed renting cottages in the summer, often at Chippewa Lake and Gun Lake. They also took some vacations a bit further away from home including a memorable family trip out West for four weeks in 1957.

Faith played an important role in Loraine's life. As a family they attended Creston Christian Reformed Church where she would be a member for the rest of her life. Loraine was always active with her church, particularly in supporting missions. Although not overbearing, she was very vocal about her faith. It was always easy to know what Loraine believed and where her strength came from. This strength was certainly needed, too, since she faced trials at times throughout her journey. Among the most difficult trials was the death of her daughter and then her husband. Although the pain was forever deeply felt, Loraine’s strength allowed her to continue living her life as well.

As her family and friends can attest. Loraine was one to keep busy. She and Henry did everything together, and they had a core group of friends including about 12 couples throughout much of their married life. Although more quiet, Loraine did enjoy having a good time, which was more her husband's style. She and her husband were partners in every way. Loraine helped Henry in the garden as they grew raspberries, strawberries, and lots of vegetables. For years Loraine canned and froze much of what they grew. Family remained a priority, and she was thrilled to become a grandmother. Although distance separated her from some of her grandchildren, she spent a tremendous amount of time with the grandchildren who were nearby. Loraine also held her grandchildren to her same high expectations as she did her own children. No matter the reason, she cherished every moment they spent together as a family. Over the years Loraine and Henry moved a few times as they lived on Durham Street, NE, and then moved into a condo. Loraine’s last years were spent at the Edison Assisted Living Center where she continued doing many of the things she enjoyed such as reading. Her mind remained sharp until the end, and she continued spending time with loved ones.

With unending devotion to her family, Loraine Doornbos was a blessing to all who were within her reach. Her life was deeply rooted in the Christian faith, and her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. Although she will be deeply missed, Loraine leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to her heart.

Doornbos, Loraine, September 16, 1914 - July 6, 2017. He called my name (Isaiah 43:1), and at age 102, Loraine went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; daughter, Mary Doornbos; daughter-in-law Ellen Doornbos; grandson Jeff Doornbos and great grandson Matthew Doornbos. She was also preceded in death by her parents John and Adriana Van Zwoll; and her brothers and sisters Katherine Heuvelhorst Marshall, Nellie Gray, Joan Hall Smith, Richard, James, Lawrence, Cornelius and two infant sibilngs. Loraine is survived by her children Bob (Judy) Doornbos, Gordon Doornbos; grandchildren Rob (Kelly), Kim, Craig and Christopher Doornbos, Laurie, Seth (Alison) and Nike (Maria) Van Andel; great grandchildren Will, Emery and Audrey Doornbos, Adam Doornbos, Sladen, Clune and Sigmund Van Andel; as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Loraine will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE where friends may visit with her family on Monday from 5-8 PM and on Tuesday from 12 Noon until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Creston Christian Reformed Church Christian Education Society are appreciated. Her family expresses their thanks to the nurses and staff at Edison Assisted Living Center, as well as the staff of Spectrum Health Hospice for their special loving care. To read more about Loraine, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com