Gladys May Kapenga

Kapenga, Gladys May Gladys May Kapenga passed into Eternal Life on Sunday April 28th 2013.  Born in Ada on July 14, 1927 to Albert and Ova May Gray, she attended Lee High School and graduated from Cedar Springs High School, enjoying cheerleading, 4H Club and numerous other activities. She returned to Grand Rapids as a Michigan Bell Telephone operator, later AT&T, retiring after 43 years.  She married John Albert Kapenga, Sr. on August 31, 1946 at Burlingame Congregational Church.  Yes, there was a fire truck in attendance following the ceremony.  John always reminisced that on their very first date, he proudly walked her home after church services with rabbit treats under one arm and her on the other.  They remained lifelong members at Burlingame.  She and John celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2011. She lost the love of her life on January 19, 2012.  Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth; sister, Lucille; and husband, John.  She is survived by children, John Jr. (Karen) of Kalamazoo, Jeanne of Okemos, and Dennis (Mary) of Bexley, Ohio; sister in law, Barbara Kapenga; grandchildren, John Jozef, Ian, Annelise, and Courtney; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Before retirement Gladys worked at many volunteer activities including the Godfrey-Lee P.T.A, numerous church committees and being on the Board at Pilgrim Manor. Upon retirement, Gladys took a growing leadership role in the religious community in Michigan, not only at Burlingame Congregational Church, but also in ACCESS of West Michigan, G.R.A.C.E., and the Grandville Ladies Literary Society. She received the Grand Rapids Hometown Hero Award in 1998.  For the United Church of Christ, she honorably served in multiple leadership roles, including President of the UCC Women of Michigan, and was named UCC Laywoman of the year in 1995.  She contributed greatly to Church Women United at all levels, and was honored as Valiant Woman in 1996 for her services including: Vice President, United Nations Facilitator, Chair of Global Action Committee, Nominating Committee and Chair of Valiant Woman Committee. She travelled nationally and internationally as part of her many commitments.  When asked about her favorite activity, she replied “I loved all of them; otherwise I would not have done any of them.”  Last May, the donation of her extensive church related archives was graciously welcomed by the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan.  She spent her life providing wonderful educational and adventuresome activities not only for her family, but for others less fortunate.  We have many stories of: day camps; daytrips to Michigan zoos, parks, and museums; church bazaars and dinners; John Ball Park picnics; Sundays at Grandma Gray’s; and family reunions.  She personally enjoyed flower gardening, collecting stuffed toys, crossword puzzles (John’s in blue ink, hers in red) and entertaining for the holidays with festive decorations and food.  She had an incredibly heart for understanding human issues.   She devoted her life, love, and energies to assisting those less fortunate.  Those who knew her personally would recognize her for her overwhelming generosity and intense compassion for those in need.  “I am proud to be able to help when I’m needed.”  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013, 11:00 AM at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW with Dr. David Lee Smith officiating.  Interment Grandville Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may visit the family on Thursday from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be a lunch next door following the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gladys to the charity of your choice.