Marlene Marie Botma

Marlene Marie Botma, age 83, passed away at the Oaks of Belmont on November 9, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born in Ionia on March 16, 1941, to Francis & Beulah (Foote) Michelsen. When Marlene was 16 years old, her mother passed away, and she went to live on the Clark Family Farm, where she stayed until she was 18 and then she moved to the “big city” of Grand Rapids.

Not long after settling in, she met Louis Botma JR, and the youngsters were quickly smitten. They were married December 21, 1962, during a snowstorm. They remained happily married for 60 years. Together, they raised their children Louis III and Linda in the Grand Rapids area.

A woman of faith, Marlene was a member at Trinity Baptist Church where her and Louis Jr were baptized. She enjoyed sewing and gardening and loved the simple beauty of flowers. Marlene enjoyed cooking and baking, especially muffins and breads. She and Louis also enjoyed many hours on Angel and Murray Lakes fishing.

Most importantly, Marlene was a natural caregiver. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and nurturing grandma. She was thrilled when the family grew to include her grandsons. She was so proud of Chris and Jacob and watching them succeed in their endeavors.

Marlene is survived by her children Louis Botma III and Linda (Lloyd) Bourassa; her grandsons Chris (Danielle) Bourassa and Fr. Jacob (Katie) Bourassa; her brothers-in-law: Larry (Sue) Botma and David (Robin) Botma as well as many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Botma Jr. in January of 2023, her siblings: Helen Miller, Ellen Kuznicki and Marvin Michelsen, and her parents.

Visitation for Marlene will be held on Thursday November 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a funeral service will be held on Friday November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

The family of Marlene would like to thank the staff at The Oaks of Belmont and Interim Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care.

Memorial donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the Michigan Veterans Home at Grand Rapids.