Generous and caring were the two words used to best describe Mildred Ann Bylsma. A natural caregiver it was no surprise that after Millie was done raising her family she was compelled to provide safe reliable daycare for neighborhood children.
Born on September 26, 1934, one of four children born to William & Martha (Van Offlen) Wise, Millie grew up in Grand Rapids. Soon after graduating from high school, she married the loved of her life. On August 29, 1953, Millie was united in marriage to Erwin Bylsma.
The young couple would settle in Belmont to raise their four children. Millie quickly became well known in their small community for her delicious cinnamon rolls and homemade bread. Her boys would set up a farm stand by the road, and her baked goods would quickly be bought up.
When raising her family was coming to a close, Millie knew she still had love to share. She found a family that needed quality love and care for their children. She cared for the brothers as her own and over the years they became part of the family.
Millie and Erwin loved yard sales. The thrill of the hunt for a wanted trinket or the bargaining on a needed item, it was fun and relaxing for the couple. Millie was also talented at crafting. She enjoyed many types, but her family is grateful for the keepsakes of her beautiful ceramics and handcrafted quilts.
A devoted wife and mother first, Millie never really needed to know how to drive, but one day in her 50’s she decided it was about time to learn. She knew what she needed to know to drive, but her kids will be the first to tell you it was always an adventure when Millie was behind the wheel.
The love in Millie’s heart only continued to grow with the birth of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but she also experienced the grief of loss when her only daughter, Susan passed away. Suzie required special attention and care, and the change in daily routine left Millie reeling for a time, but with her husband by her side, they dedicated their hearts giving generously of their time and love in Suzie’s memory.
As old age settled into Millie and Erwin’s life, they went to live at Mission Point of Belding. In January of 2020, Millie suffered the loss of her beloved husband of 66 years when he passed away. Her journey through life was never the same, and on April 24, 2021 at the age of 86, Millie was reunited with her husband and daughter.
Millie is survived by her sons Daniel (Janel), John (Becky) and Michael (Tammy) Bylsma, several grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, her sister Donna Briggs and her brother Ken (Deloris) Wise as well as many other relatives. In addition to her husband and daughter, Millie was preceded in death by her brother Fritz Wise and her parents.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday May 8, 2021 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Burial of both, Mildred and Erwin will be done privately next to their daughter Susan at Blythefield Memory Gardens.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5