Marty Kay Borek

Martha (Marty) Kay Borek, age 69, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 30, 2022 in Grand Rapids. She was born on July 15, 1952, to Ralph and Celena (Carpenter) Anderson in Plainwell, MI.

Marty was a country girl. She was raised on a farm, where she developed her love for animals, specifically horses and dogs, and going barefoot. Just down the road from the farm, she attended grade school in a one room school house before graduating from Wayland High School in 1970. After receiving her Associates Degree from Davenport University, Marty went to work as a secretary for the City of Grand Rapids. She spent ten years in many different departments, most importantly the Engineering Department, where she would meet Bob Borek, the love of her life. Bob later proposed while camping at their favorite campground in Freesoil, MI. They continued to share this love of camping with their children and grandchildren at the same campground, year after year, making it a family tradition. The two were married on January 10, 1975 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church and shared forty-seven wonderful years together.

The most important thing to Marty was her family. When her children were young, she was at home taking care of the family, often shuttling kids back and forth in her big Chevy van. After the kids were in school, Marty went back to work as a nurse’s aide at Clark Retirement Home. She worked third shift for ten years so she could get her kids off to school in the morning and be there when they arrived home. She later moved on to work as a parking attendant for the City of Grand Rapids.

Marty was a natural caretaker who loved everyone around her. She will be remembered for her kindness and acceptance as well as her never ending smiles and hugs. As both a mom and a grandma, she never missed a game or any other event her children and grandchildren participated in. Her favorite sport to watch was baseball, whether she was cheering for her family playing or watching her Detroit Tigers. One season she attended 124 ball games to watch her kiddos play ball.

Marty loved going out to dinner with her family. When the children were very young, she would pack them in the van, pick up Bob from work at noon and head to the Glass Hut for one of their burritos, which were her favorite.

Marty enjoyed time with her family and friends at the many cottages they rented on Bills Lake. Her favorite moments included lots of storytelling around the campfire at night, family game nights, and fishing. Her grandchildren will remember her for always sneaking Moose Tracks ice cream, cookies and Pepsi to them when their parents weren’t watching. When taking time for herself, Marty could be found doing crossword puzzles, cross stitching various Disney characters or Christmas scenes or curled up with a great book that she would finish in a day or two. She loved her pets, especially her Kramer, Pixie and Shannie, along with her grandpuppies Zoey, Melody, Olive, and Daisy.

The most special time to Marty was Christmas. She had many decorations, which she placed around the home. Every year the old Christmas drawings that the kids made years ago at school would be taped up, covering the walls of the home. Her Christmas tree was full of a random display of ornaments that her kids and grandkids made throughout the years. She loved buying gifts and spoiling her children and grandchildren all throughout the years.

Marty is survived by her loving husband, Bob; children Joe (Katey) Borek, Laura Borek, Andy (Liz) Borek, and Matt (Jacqueline) Borek; grandchildren Connor, Lexie, Hunter, Hannah, Hayden, Brody, Bennett, Tucker, and Bowen; brother Dave (Joanne) Anderson; sister Judy Anderson; brother-in-law Paul Lapham; sister-in-law Donna Anderson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom were special to her. She was preceded in death by her wonderful parents; brother Steve Anderson; and dear sister Betsy Lapham.

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Monday, April 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Those that would like to attend are welcome to dress casually or wear the sports gear of their favorite team to show support for Marty. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with an hour of visiting prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to DeVos Children’s Hospital Neonatal Foundation, Humane Society of West Michigan, Faith Hospice, or beautify your community with a tree planted in Marty’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com for the Marty's family.