Mary Jane Shoemaker

Mary Jane Shoemaker passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in Kalamazoo. She was born January 20, 1939, in Holland, MI a daughter of Richard and Greta (DePree) Strabbing.

Mary was the 9th born of 10 children, she describes her childhood as being filled with dishes and laughter. After high school, Mary attended GRCC and received her LPN degree. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital and then after her kids were grown, she continued her nursing career in various nursing homes around Kalamazoo. Despite not knowing how to herself, Mary was the best swim and ski instructor on Barlow Lake. One of her favorite activities was being in the water with her grandchildren. Her hobbies consisted of reading, sewing, puzzles and playing cards. Mary by nature was a happy, quiet, and gentle soul but a competitive streak emerged any time you handed Mary a deck of cards. Her weekends were always spent with family; they were filled with cherished memories for all.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings, Robert Strabbing, Gladys Genzink, Donald Strabbing, Lois Tucker, Jerold Strabbing, Joyce Schipper, and Charles Strabbing. On October 16, 1959, she married Roger J. Shoemaker, who survives. Mary is also survived by her children, Randy (Anne Guyot) Shoemaker, Rita (Tom) Broekema, and Karen Shoemaker; grandchildren, Katelyn, Rachel, Krista, Kelsey, Sara, and Keely; great-grandson, Henry; sisters, Norma Van Popering, and Carol (Herman) Kolk; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Vern (Elaine) Shoemaker, Richard (Jane) Shoemaker, and Shirley Garlock; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 12 noon, Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton, with Rev. Ed Tamminga officiating. Mary's family will receive guests at the church beginning at 11:00 and again following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Mary's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com