Date of Death: February 25, 2021
Service Details
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 12:00 noon at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Brenda Deily officiating.
Obituary Notice
Laura Mae Meersma, 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
She was born December 13, 1939 in Baldwin, Wisconsin, the daughter of John L. and Helen (Wikkerink) Van Someren.
Laura was a nurse aide at River Forest Nursing Home, later Riverview Manor, for 20 years.
She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and sewing, and was a member of the Three Rivers Woman’s Club. She regularly participated with the club’s Afghan Ladies group, which recently surpassed 1,000 afghans made for the domestic assault shelter.
Remaining to cherish Laura’s memory are her husband of 60 years, Pieter Meersma; children, Michael (Jodi) Meersma, Caroline (John) Rentfrow and Sandra (Harry) Brown; grandchildren, Rachel (Mitchell) Hengesbach, Kimberly (Ford) Aldrich, Mariah (Maxwell) Cousineau, Jordon Meersma, Roxanne Brown and Joshua Brown; great-grandchildren, Ariyah Cousineau, Emilia Cousineau and Miles Hengesbach; brother, Louie (Audrey) Van Someren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; by a great-granddaughter, Margot Hengesbach; and by three sisters, Ilene Moelter, Rozella Erikson and Joann Van Someren.
Additional Information
Donations in Laura’s memory may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice or Southern Care Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Was shocked and very saddened to learn of Laura’s passing. We worked together for many years at River Forest Nursing Center. In addition to her “trade” as a Nursing Assistant, she was better known as the Director of Laundry Services, Quite actually, she mirrored that Biblical passage “….whatever thy hand finders to do….”. and she absolutely did so with all her might!! She helped coworkers in many departments and was a delight to work with ! Her family was everything to her and I know many of you by the stories she shared. Thinking of you especially, Pete, during this adjustment phase in your life; Continued thoughts and prayers….
Dear Families,
Art and I are sorry to hear about Laura. We enjoyed knowing and working with all of you at 1st Pres. I loved wearing Laura’s crocheted socks when i was teaching!
We hope you find comfort and peace while you share special memories.
With sympathy,
Kris and Art Ayers
Laura and her spirit of service and wonderful smile will be so missed by all of us in the Three Rivers Woman’s Club. My condolences to
all her family.
Caroline and John,
I am so sorry for your loss. Laura was so kind and giving, a very sweet demeaner. Love and Hugs. Annette
My prayers are with Pete and his entire family during this very sad and difficult time. Laura was a very lovely, fun and gentle woman, she will be greatly missed by everyone. Judy Gilchrist-Mohney, Stayton, OR.
Michael, Jodi, Mariah and Jordon we are so sorry about the loss your mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful woman who loved her family. She was always so pleasant to be around ❤ she will greatly be missed.
Thinking of you, Luther & Toni
Thank you so much for your kind worlds and the lovely flowers.
I first met Laura and her family at Park School. At that time she was a homemaker raising her children. She would volunteer at school whenever needed for field trips and social events. I later joined her in the Women’s Club where she worked tirelessly during the pie baking for the Three Rivers water festival. She was a dedicated mom and community member. Laura will be missed and her smile will always be remembered. “Death ends a life; Not a relationship.” Dr. Seuss. Hugs and prayers for her family.
Prayers and thought to you Jodi and Michael. Heavy is the heart for our loss, Happiness mends the heart knowing you will be reunited and they are at peace.
Pieter and family so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much my mom loved to talk with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl Hughey Anderson
Pieter and family, Del and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Laura was a good friend, who gave generously of her talents. So many were warmed by her afghans. She will be missed.
May God hold and comfort you all.
Delbert and Jo
Laura will be greatly missed. She was such a bright spot in the lives of the Three Rivers Woman’s Club members. Her dedication and talents will be leave a big gap in our group. God bless you all in your time of sorrow.
Jean Skalski
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. What a special woman she was. She will be missed by many. Our prayers are with her family and friends at this time may God comfort them
Ed and Tracie Massar
Caroline and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. Praying for peace for you all.
Love,
Cheryl Hise and girls.
For all of us who have worked with and spent time with Laura, she will leave an empty spot. So much appreciation for her contributions to the Three Rivers Woman’s Club. Laura was always there to lend a hand with Bridgewalk, Pie Baking, and her special project providing hundreds of afghans To those who needed comforting. We at the TRWC will truly miss her. Special thoughts to her family. TRWC President Mary Kay Todd
She was always so faithful helping with the Afghan Ladies. So many have benefited from her generous gift of time and talent.
Pete, I am so sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. She was such a kind lady and will be missed by many. Mary was always so glad to have Laura helping with the pie baking for the Woman Club pie booth. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am in Florida and will not be able to attend the service, but I will be with you in thought.
Taylor
John, Caroline, Rachel, Kim & family,
So very sorry for your loss.
May you be comforted by great memories.
God bless,
David & Denise Miller
Poulsen’s
March 2 2021
We are very sorry to hear your mother passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Laura was a very nice lady and I always liked her when we worked at River Forest.
Matt & Sherry