Margaret "Peggy" Jean VanHouzen

On September 22, 2014, Margaret Jean Van Houzen, fondly known as Peggy, moved eternally to heaven. Peggy was born on May 18th, 1923 in Detroit to Mae and Charles Alspaugh. She was the youngest of three daughters. A beautiful young woman, Peggy caught the eye and won the heart of Russell D. Van Houzen and married him at nineteen years of age. Together they raised four sons. Russ always said "she was a beauty". During WW II, while Russ was serving in the Navy, Peggy joined the war effort and worked in a defense plant. She too belonged to the Greatest Generation. She had many stories of working with other young women and she actually kept in touch with a few surviving co-workers. Peggy was a dedicated "card sender" and kept a card file of dates of birthday's and anniversaries of her friends and family. She was an encourager to many people. Even as her health and eye sight failed, she continued to encourage others in her own sweet way. Peggy was known for her sweet smile, her welcoming way, her endless coffee pot and of course her dish of chocolates. She always looked for the best in a person and the good in a situation. Even when she was not happy about something, she tried to "give it some time" to see if it improved. In 1976, Russ and Peggy relocated to their dream house on Little Glen Lake. Russ would carve decoys and Peggy would crochet or knit. She loved to do any hand project. Even after her sight failed, she continued to knit dishcloths using a magnifying machine and gave these dishcloths to everyone. Peggy and Russ attended Glen Lake Community Church. She was a believer in Jesus Christ, her Savior. When she was told she was dying, she responded with a smile and said, "Well that's ok. I have lots of friends in heaven. So when do I get going?" Peggy was known as "Peg of my heart', Mom, Granny good cook, Gram, the peppermint Grandma, Calvin's mom (after her much loved dog" and in her last ten years, G.G. She is survived by her sons Dale (Mae) Van Houzen, Michael (Mary Ann) Van Houzen, and Russell (Susan) Van Houzen; her daughter-in-law Karen Van Houzen; nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren with one more due in October, and one great-great grandchild. Also surviving are Martin (Harriet) Van Houzen and Lee Van Houzen, her brothers-in-law and many nephews, one niece, and their families. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Russ, her youngest son Tom, her two sisters and their spouses, her parents, four sisters-in-law, two nieces and a nephew. Peggy was a kind, generous lady who tried to smile through everything. As her health failed, she left her home on Little Glen Lake and moved into Traverse Manor Assisted Living. The staff became wonderful friends to her. They treated her with gentleness and respect, mixed with some humor. She truly loved them and felt like a grandmother to many of them. A special "Thank You" also to Hospice of Michigan who helped the last few weeks of Peggy's life. The encouragement and respect they gave was greatly appreciated. A gathering for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 4 at Glen Lake Community Church followed by a memorial service celebrating Peggy's life at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served after the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army, P.. O. Box 5228, Traverse City 49696, the Goodwill Inn, 2943 Keystone Rd. N, Traverse City 49689 or the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City 49686. "Now to Him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever." Revelation 5:13b The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Margaret "Peggy" Jean VanHouzen

May 18, 1923 - September 22, 2014