Jean Valerie DeRyke

Jean Valerie DeRyke, 84 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away suddenly on March 31, 2013. Jean was born in 1928 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Nellie and Jerome Blaszcyk. She married James DeRyke and they were blessed with 6 children. Jean will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and the great love she had for both family and friends. She was lively and young at heart, was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed many years as a member of the parish of St. Jude. Jean was both a homemaker and a retired licensed practical nurse from Blodgett Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband James, and their daughter Sue. Survivng are son Thomas James (Michelle)DeRyke, daughters, Sally (Burr)DeRyke of Hawaii, Patti (Bruce)DeRyke of Lake Tahoe, Pam (Don) Heapes of Lake Tahoe, Jane (Randy)O’Connell, of Grand Rapids; brother Robert Blasczcyk of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Reyers North Valley Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Brophy Center at St. Jude Catholic Church with Rev. Tom Page as celebrant. Jean had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew her!