She was preceded in death by her first husband Carl Marcus in 1985 and her second husband Donald Reek in 2003.
Born Helen Van Kooy in Milwaukee, WI, she graduated from Wauwatosa High School and then from Hope College in 1941. While at Hope, she was a member of the Sorosis sorority and was a charter member of the “RazMaTaz”. In 1942 Helen married Carl Marcus. She taught in Scottsville and Van Dyke, MI, before joining her husband, who was in the service, in Tampa, FL, for three years. She then moved to Battle Creek for eight years before returning to Holland in 1960. Helen then taught at Harrington School until she retired in 1978. She was a member of Christ Memorial Church, where she was a Parish Elder and a Stephen Minister.
Helen is survived by three children: Jim (Carol) Marcus of Holland, Marc (Jan) Marcus of Zeeland, and Mary (Jim) Engel of Fennville, MI. Her children blessed her with 7 grandchildren, Jamie & Troy VanOrman of Grand Rapids, Jon Marcus of Holland, Nathan & Beth Marcus of Holland, Nicholas & Tiffany Marcus of Muskegon, Nolan Marcus & Julie Mulder of Grand Rapids, Matthew & Karin Engel of Fennville, Rebecca and Michael Starring of Fennville and 9 great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by sister-in-law, Doris Delia of Rockford, IL and brother-in-law, Harold Radspiner of Milwaukee, WI.
She is also survived by three step-children: Jim (Bev) Reek of Holland, Claudia (Dave) Barber of Holland, Annie Ingalls of Rolla, MO. Her step-children blessed her with 9 step-grandchildren, 18 step-great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-great-grandchildren from her second marriage.
The family would like to extend their special thanks to the staff of Oak Crest / American House of Holland, for the loving care they have given to Helen over the past eleven years.
A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held at 11:00am, Friday, April 24, 2015, at Christ Memorial Church Chapel, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, with Rev. Bill Boersma officiating.
A Reception at Christ Memorial Church will be held following the Memorial Service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Christ Memorial Church Outreach Fund, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI 49423 or to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Boulevard, Holland, MI 49423.
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