Gena Perez Vander Meulen, 58, of Caledonia, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Gena was a loving wife, dear friend, and dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students, friends, and family members. She was a woman who loved to learn, encouraged others to do their best, and brought a warm, positive energy wherever she went.
Gena graduated from Holland High School in 1986 and continued her education at Central Michigan University. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Education, minoring in Psychology before going on to Boise State University, where she completed her master’s degree. Her love of learning never stopped. At the time of her passing, Gena was pursuing a doctoral degree focused on neurodiversity. She also served as an academic coach, working with students with ADHD and helping them discover ways to learn and succeed.
Gena devoted 31 years of her life to teaching English at Caledonia High School. She was a challenging teacher who believed deeply in her students and always pushed them to do their very best. One phrase became especially well known among her students, “Figure it out.” For Gena, those words were more than a challenge—they were an encouragement for her students to take initiative, think for themselves, and discover that they were capable of more than they realized.
Gena was authentic, genuine, and never afraid to laugh. She was a delight to be around, and her positive spirit, encouraging nature, and uplifting personality made her a wonderful friend. She had a warm energy that was contagious to those around her and had a special way of making people feel encouraged and valued.
Gena loved to read and was always looking for opportunities to learn something new. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Allegan County Animal Shelter, where she especially loved spending time walking and running the dogs. She enjoyed staying active and was an avid runner, completing multiple marathons throughout her life. She approached running much like she approached life—with determination and perseverance. She never gave up.
Gena also treasured traveling with her husband, Paul. Together they especially enjoyed visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as taking trips throughout the country and creating memories along the way.
Gena leaves behind a legacy of learning, perseverance, encouragement, and love. Through her years as a teacher, her friendships, her service to others, and the life she shared with Paul, she made a lasting difference in the lives of many. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Salvador Perez.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Paul; mother, Shirley Perez; sister Bonita and Steve Kane; brother, Robert Perez; and three fur baby dogs, Sandy Beach, Sunny Beach, Duchess, and her cat, Joey; and many nieces and nephew and friends. 
Memorial services will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Caledonia High School’s Fine Arts Center, 9050 Kraft Ave, North Campus Drive.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 2-3 pm at the Fine Arts Center.  A Celebration of Life will also take place at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Wishbone Pet Rescue.