Marilyn DeBaets

Marilyn DeBaets, age 92, of Grandville, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021, surrounded by her family’s love. She was born on November 7, 1928, in Detroit, to Raymond and Margaret (Bloom) Mayrand, the eldest of seven. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gus DeBaets; her parents; baby sister, Margaret; sisters, MaryJane, Suzanne, and Barbara; and brother, Raymond. She will be forever missed by her daughters, Robyn (Trent) Groendyke, Kym (Jeff) Zwagerman; son, Thom (Heidi) Postema; stepdaughter, Jeannine (Tim) Phelps; sister, Pat (Merle) Stone; brother, Jim (Carol) Mayrand; her cherished grandchildren, Bret (Alyssa), Emmy (Chris), Brandon, Jordan (Leslie), Tyler (Jenny), Abbey (Max), Amanda (Jim), Amy (Jim), Keegan (Casey), Axton, Tailin, Tim, Brian; 11 great-grandchildren and two more on the way; nieces and nephews; special Hairport friends, Carol and Katie; and her cat, Frannie. Her family moved to Grand Rapids in her teens. Marilyn worked at many jobs, with Keith’s Theatre being her favorite. She was later hired at Kelvinator Inc. where she retired in 1986 after almost 40 years. She met her beloved “Gussie” there and they married in 1967. They enjoyed many trips together with the most memorable being a trip to Gus’ homeland, Belgium. She loved to share her life’s stories and tales of adventures with anyone who would listen. In addition to Gus, family, and “kitties”, Marilyn’s other great love was movies, especially musicals. She never saw a film she didn’t like. The world was brighter with her in it and we will miss her humor, sunny smile, birthday phone calls, lunch trips to “the Rainbow”, her gift of complimenting anyone on anything, and most of all her love for each of us. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the incredible staff at Rose Garden and Emmanuel Hospice for their care and kindness. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will gather to celebrate Marilyn’s life at the lake in the fall. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Humane Society of West Michigan. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. “She’ll be there beside you in that empty seat at the movies.”