Marion Bernard

Beloved wife of the late Robert Johnson Bernard, dear mother of Paul (Elisa) Bernard, Linda (Gary) Keschl, Greg (Anne) Bernard, Jim (Debbie) Bernard. Cherished grandmother of Lindsey, Sarah, Nathan, Amy, Amanda, Jared, Austin, Michael, Cassie, Mathew, Isabella and Kayla. Loving sister of Robert (Pat) VanVynckt and Joan Higgs. Marion was born on March 19, 1929 in Detroit to Madeline and Arthur VanVynckt. She was a graduate of Cass Tech High school. She met a young man name Bob, while working at Awrey’s Bakery in Detroit. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 1950. Bob joined the Navy and they move to Norfolk, VA where they started their family. After his service, they returned to Detroit to raise their family. Marion spent her days raising four kids in their formative years and dealing with the daily chaos! Much time was spent sitting on the front porch visiting with neighbors, who became forever friends. Some of their most memorable moments were spent on family vacations in a small 14 foot Alma camper with four kids. Imagine that! They loved Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. Campfires were always a must! Their goal was to visit all 50 states, but did not quite make it. After the children were grown, Marion worked in various areas of hospitality, including Marchiori Catering and Holly Carburetor, where she was one of the Holley Dollies! Marion lost her husband, Bob, of 40 years in 1990 at the young age of 61. She spent much of her time doing volunteer work – mostly through Henry Ford Hospital. Marion accrued over 10,000 hours. She was also an active member of St. Therese Liseux, where she also volunteered. Marion was not an old person at 75, but she loved crocheting lap robes for them! Her children surprised her with parties for her 70th and 80th birthdays with family attending from all over. It was so fun to reconnect, especially with the Grand Rapids Bunch. So many memories to remember and so many good times were had. Per her wishes, we never celebrated her 90th birthday all together. However, we are gathering now and she is here with us in Spirit, for the celebration of her life. Her greatest joys were always bragging about her kids and grandkids. Thank you to everyone who has touched her life. We will dearly miss her. Rest in God’s peace. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Scleroderma Foundation at https://tinyurl.com/dontations-for-Marion

Marion Bernard

March 19, 1929 - January 5, 2020