Marjorie Maas

Marjorie Joyce Maas was called home to her heavenly Father July 17, 2022, at the age of 93. She leaves behind an incredible legacy of love, generosity, kindness, and wisdom. She was the wife to her late husband, Leonard, for 57 years and mother to their two sons, Thomas and Steven Maas. Marjorie was born in Wyoming, Michigan and lived in West Michigan her entire life. Marjorie graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in home economics and started her teaching career at Hudsonville High School. While raising a family, Marjorie was involved with her husband in their construction and real estate development businesses, and was very active in the women’s groups of her church and the Grand Rapids chapter of Reformed Church Women. She later served on the boards of several companies and various foundations in West Michigan. In 2001, Marjorie and Leonard received Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Together, Leonard and Marjorie were faithful supporters of Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, Camp Geneva, and CranHill Ranch among many other organizations and missionaries which Marjorie continued to support to this very day. She and Leonard traveled to every continent on the planet and for years enjoyed spending part of their winters on Marco Island in Florida. Marjorie was a lifelong learner and was an active participant in the Hope College Academy of Senior Professionals. She enjoyed flowers, baking, watching sports at every level, and spending time with family. There was no such thing as too many family gatherings and celebrations! Margie and her three sisters have had a very special lifelong bond that is unparalleled. They have shared in each other’s happiest moments, their lowest points, and every ordinary day in between. They have modeled for all their children and grandchildren the tremendous importance of faith first and family support – born out of their common bond of belief in God the Father and Jesus as their Savior. Marjorie will be lovingly missed by her two sons Thomas (Cecilia) Maas ’78 and Steve (Lisa) Maas’81; ten grandchildren Steve (Cynthia) Maas ’11, Trevor (Rebekah) Maas, Cara Maas ’19 (Christopher) Collier, Ray (Julie) Maas, Jorie Maas, Sally (Dustin) Gritter, Isaac, Simeon, Ezra and Truman Maas; and two great-grandchildren Gunnar Gritter and Arlyn Maas, with another great-grandchild to arrive this fall. Along with three sisters Doris Osterink, Carol Cox, and Betty Beemer; sister-in-law, Marylou Maas; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Maas, Marjorie leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, cousins, and a special group of friends at Freedom Village. Though Marjorie has passed, her legacy will shine bright in the hearts of the lives she encountered. Many heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff in all facets of Marjorie’s life at her home in Freedom Village in Holland. 

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