Helen Leep, 84, of Martin, died Thursday, April 24.
Helen was born on Oct. 19, 1940, to Andrew and Ann (Koen) Haaksma. For 37 years, Helen was a manager at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell. She embraced the joy found in gardening and their time in Florida. However, her first love was spending time with her grandchildren.
Helen grew up in Byron Center and her first job was at Pine Rest in Cutlerville. It was there that she met Jim. They were set up on a blind date. They were married on Feb. 10, 1961.
The couple lived in Byron Center, but after three years they moved to Martin, where they raised their three daughters: Deborah, Doreen and Delora.
Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; daughters Deborah (James) Moody, Doreen (Doug) Hilton, Delora (Vaughn) Mills, and her special boy Chad; her siblings: Reynold, Itwin, Andy, Ted, Ben, Freda, Betty; ten grandchildren as well as ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings Freda Ann, Elmer, John and Gerrit.
Family and friends may participate in visitation from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St., Plainwell. Her funeral will follow at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to Park Village Pines or Centrica Care Hospice.
