Vivian Harasim

May 3, 1922 – February 21, 2021

In accordance with her wishes cremation will take place a memorial visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, from 5:00-7:00PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Borgess Foundation, c/o the funeral home. The family would also encourage all to live by Pinkey’s example of enjoying each and every day to the fullest.

Obituary

Age 98 passed away peacefully on February 21, 2021. Pinkey was born May 3, 1922 in Otsego, MI to the late Edgar and Ila (Murphy) Snyder. She was also preceded in passing by her husband of almost 58 years, Chester Harasim; two children, Sharon VanderKlok and Paul Harasim; granddaughter, Pauline Jacobs; brothers, Paul Snyder and Vaughan Nesbit. She is survived by one son, Barry Harasim; son-in-law, Robert VanderKlok; grandchildren, Melanie (Rob) VanderKlok Loury, Jeffrey (Kari) VanderKlok Ronald VanderKlok, Nikole (Rob) Allen, David (Jennifer) VanderKlok, Amber Fix, Chad (Jennifer) VanderKlok, Kimberla (Jim Schlee) Jacobs, Aimee (Todd) Barnhart, Heather Wright, Heath (Nancy) Wright; many great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Pinkey worked for years in retail, including time at Tepe’s, Whitmark and Kohl’s. She worked the register at many Black Friday sales and loved to keep up with the lives of the regular shoppers. Pinkey loved bowling! It gave her the opportunity to travel across the country and meet so many new people. She was a longtime member of the Kalamazoo Area Women’s Bowling Association and was given numerous awards and honors during her career which spanned more than 70 years. She also loved to introduce new generations to the game. For several years she supported youth bowling as a junior bowling coach at Airway Lanes. In 1985, Pinkey was inducted into the KAWABA Hall of Fame. In 2015, at the age of 92, she bowled in her 50th United States Bowling Conference Women’s Championship national tournament. In 2016, she bowled in her 65th Michigan State Women’s Bowling Association Tournament. She was also a big supporter of the University of Michigan Wolverines and enjoyed season tickets to home football games for several years. Pinkey’s positive attitude towards life, her smiling spirit, love for travel, golf and her love for family will be greatly missed.

<< Obituaries

Subscribe
Notify of
7 Gustbook
Diane & Mike Secondi
5 years ago

So very sorry Aimee & Todd, Payton, Macie & Evie! Pink was such a sweetheart and it was always nice to see and chat with her at the girls birthday parties! She will truly be missed!!

Yvonne Reeves
5 years ago

Dear David, Jennifer & family, Grandma Pinkey was an incredible lady! I had the pleasure of meeting her on different occasions. She always had a kind heart with a beautiful smile! Your all in my prayers & thoughts during this difficult time!

Tom Rooney
5 years ago

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Loving Family member. My prayers and my love to each and everyone of you My God bless you and watch over you all. Tom Rooney

Cheri McCaffery
5 years ago

I am saddened to learn about Pinkey’s passing. She led a full life. I knew her my whole life (my parents lived next door to the Harasim’s when I was born). I bowled with her for 35 years. I went to State and National tournaments with her. I was with her when she received her 50th National tournament participation award in 2015. That was so special to her. She was such a positive person. She had a great sense of humor. I will miss her, but I have fond memories to remember her by.

Jean Prandine
5 years ago

Pinkey was a wonderful lady. She had a beautiful smile and brought smiles to everyone around her. She was always kind. Her beloved family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Deborah L Peck
5 years ago

I’m sad to hear of your loss. I did not know Vivian long but I loved her smile and her upbeat attitude. She always made sure to tell me to keep my chin up and everything would be ok. Again so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful lady.

Noretta Standish
5 years ago

I met Pinky in the “70’s” when I started bowling in the major leagues. Those were the fun years, Pinky was loved and respected by all those fortunate enough to know her. She was a good woman and will be long remembered in the hearts of many.. My son (Charlie) and I send our deepest sympathy. Noretta Standish Charlie Standish