Chuck Franke
Saturday August 25, 2012 at
5:28 PM
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Barb & Mike, I just noticed that Jean passed away. So sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. Reading the conolences here brought back a lot of good memories about how strong a person she was. Sounds like she led as full a life as she could given her situation. I've never met Marion but she sounds like a special person, too. I hope she is doing well.
Chuck
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Sharon (Pitts) Samford
Sunday August 19, 2012 at
11:31 PM
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I am so sorry to hear of the empty spot left in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved Jean. But rejoice in the new found freedom of her soul and spirit!!! She has always been an inspiration to me! May God comfort those of us who remain.
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Lance and Brenda Dowker
Monday August 13, 2012 at
5:45 PM
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Mike, Barb and family. Sorry to read about Jean. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
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Sally Merren
Saturday August 11, 2012 at
9:30 AM
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So sorry for your loss. Jean was a great gal. We sure did have good times back in our younger days. My thoughts and prayers are with you and our family at this time. May God bless her and keep her safe.
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The Wheelock family
Thursday August 9, 2012 at
8:33 AM
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So very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I know it will leave a hole in your hearts. May God help you and bless you.
Jan and Dwight
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Linda (Tanner) Strodtman
Wednesday August 8, 2012 at
6:41 PM
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Barb and Mike and family,
I was saddened to hear of Jean's death. One brave woman over all these years. You have many years of wonderful memories with her. All my best, Linda
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The Carolus Family
Wednesday August 8, 2012 at
3:24 PM
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Dear Barb, Mike, Marian and families, We are so very sad that Jean has passed, but know in our hearts that she is tap dancing her way along roads paved with gold! Hold on to all the love and memories to get you thru this sad time...you are in our prayers. Love, Andrea, Andy and Alison
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carol and Dick Allen
Wednesday August 8, 2012 at
2:02 PM
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We would have loved to be there with the family and Marion for the funeral, but are currently in Denver visiting our son. Jean was always very special to us both...she has felt like part both of our own families! We always enjoyed visiting with Jean and Marion when we were back in Greenville. Jean will leave a big hole in Greenville and in the lives of those who loved her!
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Tom and Joan Rop
Tuesday August 7, 2012 at
8:02 PM
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Tom and I send our deepest sympathy. You all are in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.
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Caroline Fordyce
Tuesday August 7, 2012 at
4:18 PM
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Barb, Mike & Marian. My sympathy to all of you. God has a new angel in heaven.
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Don and Becki Haist
Tuesday August 7, 2012 at
10:39 AM
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We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all!
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Gloria Nye
Monday August 6, 2012 at
7:25 PM
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Dear Barb, Mike, Marian and families, I was so sorry to hear about Jean. She was a remarkable person and will be missed by many, but your wonderful memories of her will live on.
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pamela Neumann
Monday August 6, 2012 at
6:54 PM
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Marian, Barbara and families, I always enjoyed hearing about your adventures and how an avid sports fan whether college or pro baseball or basket or football. I just recently put the relationship to Barb & Mike . God Bless you all... Pam & Phil Neumann. Stanton
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Jack and Judy Secord
Monday August 6, 2012 at
3:23 PM
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Dear Barb, Mike and Marian,
We are sorry for your loss--Jean and Marian have always been a bright spot in our neighborhood. We extend our sincere sympathy to you all. God's Blessing.
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Michael J. Malley, DDS & Staff
Monday August 6, 2012 at
9:18 AM
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We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Jean. We will miss her and our prayers are with her family, extended family and dear friends.
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Ron and Janet Woody
Sunday August 5, 2012 at
9:24 PM
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Dear Barbie and Michael,
Thank you for your notice of Jeanie. What a fighter for all those years.
You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Lovingly, Janet and Ron
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Dawn Mulholland Baldwin
Sunday August 5, 2012 at
7:43 PM
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Barb, Mike and Marian, I was very sorry to read about Jean's passing. Her life story was a remarkable tribute. Since my days at "Alma's", I found it truly extraordinary how full she lived her life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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marilyn nelson-thienes
Sunday August 5, 2012 at
6:21 PM
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Dear Barb and Mike
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Jean. What a credit to her that she lived beyond her illness and enjoyed many ventures in her life. I know that your family had to bring her great pleasure and enhanced her years greatly.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With loving thoughts...
Marilyn
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Joe & DebbieDyer
Sunday August 5, 2012 at
12:16 PM
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Barb and Mike, so very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. You are in our prayers.
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Harold and Barb Deines
Sunday August 5, 2012 at
11:06 AM
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Barb & Mike: Words cannot express our heartfelt sympathy for you and your family right now. We pray for His care and comfort for you all in the days ahead. Take care....
love, Harold & Barb
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Deb Geldersma
Saturday August 4, 2012 at
12:51 PM
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I am so sorry to learn of Jean's passing. She was such a wonderful woman and gave so much to others. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marian as well as Mike and Barb. Jean was one of my very favorites and Marian, you were her Angel on this earth. I will have fond memories of both of you girls.
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Faith Lewis Priester
Saturday August 4, 2012 at
12:47 PM
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Barb and Mike, My sincere sympathy in the loss of Jean. I know that my Dad was one of the many who happily greeted her when she reached heaven's shore.
May the love of friends give you comfort and the love of God give you peace.
Faith Lewis Priester
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Julie and Gary Sirrine
Saturday August 4, 2012 at
9:45 AM
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Barb, Mike and families: We are very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Jean while growing up, and what an inspiration she was to all of us. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Ron & Mary Johnson
Saturday August 4, 2012 at
9:34 AM
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Thinking of you. Ron & Mary
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Ron & Cheryl Porter
Saturday August 4, 2012 at
9:01 AM
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Barb, Mike and Marian, so very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. Blessings to all in this time of sorrow knowing she is dancing in heaven with everyone!! Our thougts and prayers go out to you all! Hugs. Ron & Cheryl
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Gretchen & Jim Wood
Friday August 3, 2012 at
8:26 PM
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Dear Barb, Mike & Marian:
I am so sad to hear of Jean's passing. I remember knowing back then how lucky I was to live right next door to Barb & Jean on Washington Street - during our "formative years." I will always remember how I loved being invited over to Fordyce's every time Alma made waffles. We all (Jean, Barb, Nancy, Ann & I) have some wonderful memories of our great times together growing up. Jean was always a true inspiration to all of us and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and yours. God Bless.
Love you, Gret & Jim
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Connie Wark, RN
Friday August 3, 2012 at
7:55 PM
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It was an honor taking care of, and getting to know Jean. She was a wonderful person who is now in heaven with our Lord.
Marion, you and the rest of Jean's family are in my prayers. May you feel the arms of Our Lord around you and give you peace.
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MARGE SNYDER
Friday August 3, 2012 at
4:50 PM
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JEAN WAS A CUSTOMER @CARELINC FOR MANY YEARS & WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY ALL EMPLOYEES.SHE & MARION WERE ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HELP.ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE,I NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO MEET JEAN PERSONALY WHILE WORKING AT CARELINC BUT,SPOKE WITH HER ON THE PHONE AT TIMES ALTHOUGH I HAVE MEET MARION A FEW TIMES WHEN SHE WOULD COME INTO THE STORE.WHEN MY MOTHER,SHIRLEY CLIFF,PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR,JEAN & MARION SENT ME A CONDOLENCE CARD EVEN THOUGH NEITHER OF THEM PERSONALY KNEW MY MOTHER.THIER WARMTH,SPIRIT & FAITH SHOW WHAT TRUELY WONDERFUL WOMEN THEY ARE.GOD IS BLESSED TO HAVE JEAN HOME WITH HIM AS WE ARE ALL BLESSED THAT WE GOT TO HAVE JEAN WITH US.MY CONDOLENCES TO BARB,MIKE & MARION
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Pat Bucholtz
Friday August 3, 2012 at
4:42 PM
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Thinking of your family at this time. She was loved by many friends and family and will be missed by many.Thoughts and prayers to all.
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Judy Johnson
Friday August 3, 2012 at
4:09 PM
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Jean on Thursday. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time of sadness. May God bless all of you.
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Les and Vesta Morforrd
Friday August 3, 2012 at
4:06 PM
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From the days when Jean was our neighbor, in what we still call the "Fordyce House," to today, she has been an inspirastion to us and to hundreds more. And will continue to be long after her passing.
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monica hentemann RN
Friday August 3, 2012 at
3:41 PM
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It was a pleasure to take care of Jeanie, and get to know Marion...Sweet people... I learned so much from both of them...what an incredible story. Sugar you are so going to be missed. What a fighter you were.
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Marty and Yvonne Greunke
Friday August 3, 2012 at
3:24 PM
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Our love and sympathy to all, including Marian. Wish we could be there at this time for you...but we are in spirit. At least "our common daughter" will be there to support you at this sad time.
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Hansen Vision Center
Friday August 3, 2012 at
2:12 PM
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Marian, Barbara, Michael and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Dr. Rocky Hansen, Dr. Anne Pfeffer and Staff
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Stu and Shellee Jensen
Friday August 3, 2012 at
12:52 PM
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Our thoughts are with you and your families at this time of sorrow.
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Dana & Vicki Viges
Friday August 3, 2012 at
12:39 PM
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Jean is now in her heavenly home! Her Journey is/was very unique in that she was given a life afflicted by a disease that hardly anyone even talks about anymore. I cant even comprehend what she endured!!! Well done good and faithful servant you are home!!! Gods Peace To the whole Family!!
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Nora & Dick Godfrey
Friday August 3, 2012 at
11:47 AM
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Marian Barbie & Mike Do you realize all the lives Jean & Marian have touched in these years?They sure touched my heart and I have had years of so much fun with these ladies. We have cried and laughed together much. I will always treasure those many memories and felt it a privilege to be your friend. Marian, you are a saint in my eyes. Ilove you both so much!! Jeans at peace and no more pain. God Bless
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Glenna Decker
Friday August 3, 2012 at
10:08 AM
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I'm so sorry for your loss and want you to know that you are all in my prayers. Much love and God's blessings. In peace, Glenna
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Pam Kelly
Friday August 3, 2012 at
8:13 AM
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Marian,
Sorry for your loss. I sure loved the conversations we had back in the day when I worked in Greenville. You both were very generous with you time, great listeners and very great story teller. I remember big smiles and a lot of laughs!! Thank you for touching my life in a very positive way!! God Bless You....Sincerely, Pam from CareLinc.
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John & Mary Ellen Rice & family
Friday August 3, 2012 at
5:31 AM
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Dear Marian, Barb, Mike, Kim and Michelle & families,
Jean will be greatly missed by our family as well as yours. Over the past 35 years she and Marian were known by my children as the "other Mothers" especially after the children lost their father. We will also miss the many hours we played cards and went out for dinner. Jean and Marian were true friends and always there in our times of need and more than willing to give us advice when needed. Marian has been a saint in the 41 years she has cared for Jean. It is going to be a great loss for Barb, Mike and the girls as well as Marian. You are all in our prayers.
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Sue (Savio) Dulgar
Thursday August 2, 2012 at
10:49 PM
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Barb, Mike and Marian, so very sorry for your loss. I believe Jean is dancing in Heaven with my Mom & Dad, Jack and Grandma Donna and, of course, Aunt Alma and Uncle Freeman!
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Theresa L. Loper
Thursday August 2, 2012 at
10:10 PM
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My prayers are with Marian and Jean's family. Jean was such a special woman! Despite all of her challenges in life, she found joy in every day. I am very blessed to have been able to know her and serve her.
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The Slater Family
Thursday August 2, 2012 at
9:40 PM
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My sincerest condolences, Marian and Barb. Although we are sad that we will not see her again, we are also glad that Jean is no longer in pain. May God grant her eternal peace.
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S. Jean Fordyce age 71 of Greenville passed away Thursday August 2, 2012 at Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center Grand Rapids. She was born in Greenville, January 18, 1941 the daughter of Freeman H. and Alma V. Hill Fordyce. Jean and her parents and sister were on a summer vacation in California the summer of 1952 when she became ill with poliomyelitis. She returned home 6 months later in an iron lung and slowly recovered becoming wheel chair bound for the next 60 years. She graduated with honors from Greenville High School with the class of 1959, then graduated from Alma College in 1963 and followed with a Masters Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. As a licensed social worker she was employed at Sparrow Hospital Lansing and then at Rehabilitation Industries in Lansing. After a medical set back with post polio syndrome she retired home to Greenville in 1976. Her parents always encouraged her continued education and help fund other students education when they helped care for Jean. Always requiring a constant care giver, her parents employed many others to keep Jean as independent as possible. In 1971 her mother Alma found a young hospital worker in Sheridan Hospital to become Jeans care giver. Now after 41 years of constant companionship and a life together given with true devotion and love Marian Griffith leaves a wonderful legacy of care giving to Jean. Together they enjoyed many adventures always looking forward to the next, whether it was having friends in for a lovely dinner and cards or traveling or just an evening of friendship or gloating over a MSU victory.
