Mary C. Kornoelje
December 4, 1923 – January 15, 2022
A memorial gathering in witness to Mary’s life and faith will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Hope Reformed Church. 910 Jenks Blvd., Kalamazoo, with her former pastor, The Rev. Kent Frens presiding. Private interment will precede the gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of SW Michigan) or Hope Reformed Church, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 98, passed away on Saturday morning, January 15, 2022, with her family by her side. Mary was born in Kalamazoo on December 4, 1923, the daughter of John and Mary (Yonker) Staple. On August 11, 1950, she married Robert Kornoelje who preceded her in death on February 19, 2000. Mary is survived by her children, Ron (Pam Post) Kornoelje of Kalamazoo and Sharon Kornoelje of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Russell (Nicole) Kornoelje and Randall (Kelli) Kornoelje; great-grandchildren, Lexington and Reece; brother-in-law, Jim Kornolje; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Amelia (Roy) VanderMeer and Johanna (Uko “Dutch”) Mejeur; brother, Jake (Ethel) Staple.
What a grand Lady! I have loved and cherished her for so many years. She was one of the first to welcome us to Hope Church in 1980. We were new Christians and she took us under her wing and I looked forward to seeing her every week for a special hug. I am so excited for her to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus! I know she will be ready with a hug when we get there. Love to Sharon Ron and Pam. Mom has gone home. God is so good.
Sharon, Ron, and family, Wow 98. I will always remember Mary for her kindness and joy. She would ask me every Sunday “How are you doing?” She always was interested in others and was a welcome hug everytime she greeted you. I will miss her smile, her wit, her advice, and her sunny smile. Be at peace Mary. Well done sister in Christ. You are home.
Mary was a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren. Her laughter, smiles, and kindness made them very happy! I will always remember her great cooking, and how she taught me many dishes I still make today. I am happy to have known her. Very sorry for your loss of your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother – Sharon, Ron, Russ, Randall, Reece, Lexie, Nicole, Kelli, and Pam.