Lillian Irene Haizman

Lillian Irene Haizman, age 101, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in her home at The Village of Heather Hills.

Lillian “Irene” was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 8,1922.  Shortly after her birth, her parents, Lewie and Martha Atkinson, along with their two sons, Bill and Dale, and their new baby girl, moved to Grand Rapids.  Irene graduated from South High School in 1940 and, after that, completed various programs at the Haney Business School. 

Irene started her career working in a Grand Rapids bank for several years and then became a 'mom extraordinaire' to sons Larry and Bob. She was a Cub Scout den mother, participant in the local PTA (including their Follies), built a lifelong relationship with her neighbors and was an extensive camper/traveler.  She was a supportive member of the Burton Heights Methodist Church.  When the boys were in high school, she decided to go to work at The Methodist Community House, becoming the executive secretary who effectively ran the place until she retired in 1992 at the age of 70.

In 1943, Irene married Naval Quartermaster Third Class Robert W. Haizman, who passed away on August 10, 1986, and is survived by two sons.  The eldest, Larry, is married to Patricia, father to Christopher and Laura.  CJ is married to Stacy with one son, Adam.  Laura has three children, Kaitlyn, Mya and Levi.  The younger son, Robert, is married to Sheila; they have two daughters, Robin and Carie. Carie’s daughter is Dallas Haizman. 

Visitation with Irene’s family will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM with a light lunch afterward. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park, next to Robert, at a later date.

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