Norma J. Semeyn

Norma Jean (Haan) Semeyn, aged 93, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter, Kathy  Senz and son, David Semeyn. Surviving are her daughter, Beth VanderWal, Son-In-Law, Mark Senz (Gloria), Daughter-In-Law, Lisa Semeyn Gotts (Mitch), nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.  She was one of 5 children born to Edward and Cora Haan. Also surviving are her siblings Richard Haan and Janet Gedris, and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was born and raised in Grand Rapids and was a proud “West-sider”. She graduated from Union High School and worked prior to marrying and starting a family with Bob. She loved to travel and to experience new and exciting places. Norma enjoyed visiting her life-long friend, Ruth Herrman, and took trips to England, Italy, and Turkey.   There were many fun stories about her adventures with her sister, Pauline. She went on countless trips and cruises with her husband and friends, as well as many hiking/adventure  trips to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Italy, and New Zealand,  with one, or both, of her daughters.  She loved to snow ski, play tennis, and was passionate about golf. During football season, she would often be seen cheering on her favorite team, especially if MSU was playing. She also loved to read and could always be seen with a book nearby, a recommendation, and a book to share.  She enjoyed playing bridge and she volunteered for years at the Blodgett Hospital coffee shop. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church before becoming a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Although she loved to travel the world, her favorite places were Wolf Lake (Michigan) and Siesta Key (Florida). She loved watching the sunset with a glass of wine with friends and family. As a “Snowbird”, she loved walking and talking on the beach at Siesta Key. Where ever she was, she made friends easily and was always the perfect hostess and made everyone feel welcome. She treasured her friends and had many friendships that lasted many decades. She loved her family and nothing made her happier than spending time with them - especially, her grandchildren.

Norma was a patient and loving wife, and mother. She lived her life with optimism, humor, kindness, and grace. Her positive outlook and strength through hardship and loss was exemplary and admirable. She blessed the lives of so many and her light will shine on in the hearts of all who knew her. May the sound of her laughter echo forever.  

A special, heartfelt, thank you to the kind and caring staff at Beacon Hill Memory Care, who treated her with dignity and love.

A memorial service will be held on June 9 at 11:00 am in the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Chapel with Pastor Riley Jensen (retired) of Westminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Special Olympics of Michigan, Humane Society of West Michigan, the Kathy Irene Semeyn-Senz (KISS) Education Scholarship, Beacon Hill Foundation (Grand Rapids), or any charity of your choice.

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