Mary Jane VanOosten

Mary Jane (VandenBerge) VanOosten, age 94, began her eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 13, 2022, surrounded by her family.  Mary Jane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.  Fondly known as “Gaga” to many, she had an amazing zest for life, an engaging personality, and a selfless interest in others. 

Mary Jane was a graduate of Western Michigan College (now University) and taught in Grand Rapids public schools.  After raising her family, she was a substitute teacher for Forest Hills Public Schools.  Gaga loved her Hidden Lake, and she loved long walks on her beach at Lake Michigan.  She was blessed with the opportunity to travel many places around the world with her loving husband, Jim, family, and friends. 

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Adrian and Deane VandenBerge, brother Howard (Nancy) VandenBerge, husband of 55 years Jim VanOosten, and granddaughter Dr. Lindsey Marie Okoroafo.  She is survived by her children Jamie (Bob) Jedele, Cathie Daane, Patti (Steve) Bohatch; her grandchildren Heather (Jeff) Miller, Paul (Kara) Jedele, Tim (Kate) Jedele, Mark (Shelby) Jedele, Katya (Ethan) Wyant and Reesie Bohatch; great grandchildren Landon, Lydia and Elsie Miller, Mason and Marley Jo Jedele, Owen and Ava Jedele, Phoenix Jedele; brother-in-law David Schick.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held at 2pm on Saturday March 19th at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home.  The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Kindred Hospice.

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