She is survived by her three sons, who help run the family business, and several grandchildren. They were truly good, lovely people and I will miss them greatly. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? She was not pretentious or stuck-up, nor was Mr. Meijer. Join Local 4 News, First at 4 with Karen Drew and Kim Adams, streaming live on Local 4+, Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. "Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for," said Rep. Peter Meijer, her grandson, in a tweet. Lena Meijer had a fondness forgardens andmaintained a rose garden at the family's home in Grand Rapids. Fred shook my hand and said " Lisa I was very impressed with the service you gave us last night and I just wanted to give you a coupon for a free soda" I told him "Well it was a pleasure and you really don't have to get me a coke. The Meijers Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederick Meijer, died Saturday. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. The gardens, which opened in 1995, feature rare and exotic plants and outdoor paths leading to sculptures by well-known artists. WebBuilt in 1994, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., is just one example of how an architect can leave a legacy by designing with galvanized steel. Lena Meijer is remembered for making contributions to things like the Civic Theater, the Frederick Meijer Gardens, local colleges, etc., all of which do nothing to disturb the oppressive and exploitative economic systems that exist in West Michigan. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena Celebrating The Life Of This profile was gathered from multiple public and Whether heading on a camping trip, putting up guests or creating more sleeping space for a kids slumber party, air mattresses are useful to have. The Meijer company is remembering the life and legacy of one its oldest family members. The art and sculpture feature important works of contemporary and modern art. Spectrum Health is very proud and grateful to have her name on the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center as a tribute to a great and gracious lady.. Lena Meijer rarely spoke in public, instead letting her more outgoing husband accept the couples honors. She was 102. WebLena Meijeris 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. This is why Meijer and DeVos, and the other members of the Grand Rapids Power Structure, get their names on buildings, because we as a society do not have sufficient class consciousness. They came in to get some lunch meat shaved for the dogs? She had a. Your mom was a wonderful lady, and I dearly loved her. 11. Loved working for the company in many different jobs in the stores as well as in the office. 1 (616) 331-2221 Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and The Foundation team has been instrumental in the capital campaigns for Spectrum Healths Renucci Hospitality House, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, as well as the creation and advancement of countless programs that impact patients, their families and Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate about One of Lena Meijers biggest legacies may be Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The gardens, which opened in 1995, feature rare and exotic plants and outdoor paths leading to sculptures by well-known artists. In lieu of flowers, the website says memorial contributions in Lenas name can be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. My best also to Mary Beth. Lena and I were best friends growing up in Lakeview. Lets take the Meijer Family. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. Her love of gardens, including her own rose garden at their longtime home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, helped inspire her and her husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. Although it took just over an hour to plant the tree I cant remember a nicer client over the years I worked landscaping while in collegeit felt like I was have a conversation with my grandmother. You have funeral questions, we have answers. She was 102. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. Meidert, Beatrice - Mejia Benitez, Darwin. Check Full Reputation Profile (MLive file photo by Gina Frigo), Lena Meijer watches during the 30th annual dinner of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids at DeVos Place on Monday, June 19, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lenas name may be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Despite being among the richest people in the country, the Meijers lived modestly and gave generously to countless organizations and projects in the community, including the renovated Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in 2006. We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. This means that the Meijer family business increased their wealth by $6.7 Billion, while Meijer workers couldnt afford health care or pay their rent, and while thousands of families in West Michigan were suffering during the COVID 19 pandemic. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1937 and got a job at a Lakeview bank as a teller and bookkeeper. "Her impact on the lives of students will Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of 102. On the website Remembering Lena Meijer, the Meijer family said it would like to thank all those who helped with Lenas care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance.. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. (Cory Morse | MLive.com), In 1999, Fred and Lena Meijer stand inside the shoulder area of the 24 foot Leonardo DaVinci horse, sculpted by Nina Akamu, which is displayed at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Know Before Visiting Frederik Meijer She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. Your mom and my dad were first cousins, and I can remember as a little girl going to Greenville, when they still lived there, to celebrate their birthdays. Allendale, MI 49401-9403 She is remembered as a loving wife, Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. Lena Meijer Obituary (1919 - 2022) - Grand Rapids Press I give them a "hello" and it always brings a smile to my face to see them. I looked her up online and we were saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year. Lena and Fred Meijer were wed in 1946. I am grateful to the Meijer family for all my years of service with the Meijer company. His first employees included his 14-year-old son, Frederik Meijer, who later became chairman of the company. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. In 2004, the hospital opened the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. Remembering Lena Meijer, philanthropist and wife to Longtime friends of the Meijer Family, the DeVos Family also paid tribute. Our hearts go out to the Meijer family. She was a friend and partner to our parents / grandparents, as she was to us, and a steadfast supporter of her husband, her family and all of West Michigan. Lena and Fred both were so genuine and kind and they will be sorely missed. Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. The couple move to Grand Rapids in 1951 and Lena continued to work in the business until the birth in 1952 of the first of three sons. People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. Taking into account various assets, Lena's net worth is greater than $25,000 - $49,999; and makes between $40 - 49,999 a year. "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Children's Garden. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. The gardens were always special to her and she took pride in the way the project grew. Meijer family remembers life of Lena Meijer, who died Prayers for the family. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. I had to put the slicer back together for this but I did not mind at all. Always there. Meijer She always enjoyed the friendship of her neighbors, from the house on Meadowfield Drive NE where they raised their sons, to the apartment at Cook Valley Estates, where they moved in 2004. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. Your parents have left a great legacy and are now re-united in heaven. You dont marry a person, especially when the business is there, you marry the business; you marry the family, Fred Meijer said in 2003. Richard M. DeVos Center and the L. William Seidman Center. Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, In that article there are comments from the Meijer family attorney, the CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the vice president of university relations at GVSU, and the following, Fred and Lena Meijer remembered for belief in community, Lena Meijer remembered as caring, community advocate with a wonderful heart., New Report demonstrates that Schools across the country and in Michigan, fail when teaching about the Black FreedomStruggle, Taxing the Rich isnt enough: Working towards an anti-Capitalist strategy to reduce human and ecologicalharm , Taxing the Rich isnt enough: Working towards an anti-Capitalist strategy to reduce human and ecological harm | Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, GRIID Year in Review Part I Monitoring Local News coverage of critical issues | Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, Grand Rapids Non-Profit Industrial Complex, Police Chief Winstrom made a fool out of himself with fraudulent comments about activists in Grand Rapids who are demanding the GRPD bedefunded, Environmental books that have influenced me in my lifetime: PartIII, Omissions, bias and failure to question government claims: Grand Rapids Commercial Media Coverage of public hearing on GRPD proposal to usedrones, Opposition to the GRPD using drones was overwhelming during last nights Grand Rapids City Commission meeting, then the Mayor suspended the PublicHearing, GRIID interviews Movimiento Cosecha before the upcoming May 1st Immigrant Justice march in GrandRapids. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Our mothers kept up on the phone with lots of things to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they each decorated. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 The Meijer name on the It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. Spectrum Health Names New Foundation President She was 102. We know that Lena is married at this point. View court, arrest, criminal/conviction From the couples first trip to Europeand her first airplane ridein 1950 to worldwide travel in their later years, Lena found herself embarked on adventures she could not have imagined as a child attending a one-room schoolhouse in central Michigan. We extend our sympathies at the loss of your family matriarch. They always left a "token" knick knack they picked up at a roadside swap meet. Do you think for a moment that Lena Meijer was counseling her sons Hank & Doug Meijer to pay the workers at Meijer stores a livable wage? Instead of celebrating the bullshit charity of the billionaire class, lets organize to redistribute the wealth of members of the Capitalist Class, like the Meijer family. The Meijer Family Floor in CHS was named in recognition to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. Lena passed on Saturday, Jan. 15. Meijer was then offered a job by Hendrik Meijer at his Meijers Thrift Market in Greenville where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. Sweet memories!! WebLena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of See further examples oftheir consistent investment in the lives of Grand WebDoug and Hank Meijer's tribute to their mom. Over the years, I had occasion to see them often there and even helped Lena decorate a Christmas tree once. Lena was also passionate about public television. longtime and generous supporters of the university. They do this because they do not want the public to think about how they became so rich and powerful. Our condolences to the whole family. Lena Meijer meant so much to so many, it is nearly impossible to measure her impact [] Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. WebMeijer was a local barber who entered the grocery business during the Great Depression. Links are provided for reference only and MyLife.com does not imply any connection or relationship between MyLife.com and these companies. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful person to be your mother. Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. Always a pleasure to see her at the office, stores and events. For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. in Highlights Top Back to Page Nav. If you clock it, knock off half for her half.. She will be greatly missed.. university supporter, Grand Valley celebrates the life of Christos T. Panopoulos, business and A private ceremony for the family is planned. Visitors can also see the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden and a replica of her family farm in Amble, complete with a barn and the original windmill from the farm. provided the leadership to help establish the WGVU Meijer Public Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. if memory serves. When she moved to Greenville, Michigan, in 1940, she was hired as a cashier at the original Meijer supermarket where she met Frederik Meijer. [6] His wife Lena died at A very blessed lady that we proud to have known in my years with Meijer. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions in her name have been requested for the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. I remember Fred very well, Doug was a lines mgr. We carried a bag of potatoes on our shoulders and it in the planters. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. GVSU also released a statement that wants us all to believe that Lena Meijer made an impact on the lives of students. It was already viewed She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. Who's Searching for You, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors & Classmates, See all testimonies from people that know Lena. May the memories of your happy times with a remarkable lady comfort you as you grieve her passing. 2372 times Photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. It just kind of overwhelms me every time I come out here how much weve grown, she once said. My sincere condolences, and prayers for Hank, Doug, and the entire Meijer family. Lena Meijer (Rader) Birthdate: estimated between 1887 and 1945 : Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of George Rader and Mary M Rader Wife of Frederik Meijer 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of Lena Meijer Meijer was active in the Grand Rapids Public schools and also served in other civic roles, according to her obituary. She always enjoyed the friendship of her neighbors, from the house on Meadowfield Drive NE where they raised their sons, to the apartment at Cook Valley Estates, where they moved in 2004. Their marriage was often described as a true partnership. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lena's name may be made to the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. Lena I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. Lena will be missed, but her legacy will live on through the programs and services made possible by her compassion and generosity, which will benefit West Michigan for generations. In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. The Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health "is one of their many everlasting impacts generosity that is saving lives each and every day,"tweeted Leon Hendrix, the communications lead for the hospital system. I first met Lena and Fred at the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens, where I worked as a horticulturist. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Sorry for your loss. Lena Meijer Her love of gardens, including her own rose garden at their longtime home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, helped inspire her and her husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Meijer Family established multiple scholarships at Grand Valley, Even more, she cherished the company of her family, of her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and cousins. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. MyLife is NOT a Consumer Reporting Agency - You may NOT use this information to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, tenancy or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. From the couples first trip to Europeand her first airplane ridein 1950 to worldwide travel in their later years, Lena found herself embarked on adventures she could not have imagined as a child attending a one-room schoolhouse in central Michigan. My deepest sympathies to the Meijer family and all who loved Lena, I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Meijer family. My Husband Lee was their Mailman when they lived on Meadowfield. For the health and safety of everyone, our offices are temporarily closed to the public. Four years after the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center opened, the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion opened at Spectrum, named for two former Meijer employees and funded in part by the Meijers. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. People dont get rich because they are hard workers, they get rich by exploiting people and resources. (Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids Press), A photo of Frederik and Lena Meijer was featured in the 2019 exhibit "A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy" at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocer's son. Lena Meijer, wife of grocery store giant, dies at 102 Reviews help GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Located in Grand Rapids in western Michigan, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre combination botanical garden, outdoor sculpture park, and art museum. Over the phone, sight unseen, pick of the post, her husband interjected. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. I was a cashier that started at the Norton Shores store. in a very short time. Newsfeed Now: Coroner expected to release autopsy, Newsfeed Now: Facebook whistleblower testifies before, Newsfeed Now: Biden back to the drawing board on, Newsfeed Now: Bodycam video shows Gabby Petito discussing, Newsfeed Now: Congress reaches deal to avoid government, Newsfeed Now: Gabby Petitos family urges Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: GOP senators block government funding, Newsfeed Now: Federal warrant issued for Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: Divers join search of Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: Search for Brian Laundrie continues, Newsfeed Now: Students being warned against TikTok, Newsfeed Now: Authorities continue to search for, Newsfeed Now: Parents of teen accused in school massacre, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Sciences, which led the way for the growth of health programs and Learn more in our Privacy Policy. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners Lena Meijers death bring emptiness to Gardens (MLive file photo). Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. GOD Bless you all. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Lena was the constant presence at Freds side.. (The Grand Rapids Press/Paul L. Newby II), Lena Meijer shares a moment with her granddaughter as they await the arrival of the Dutch King and Queen outside of Frederik Meijer Gardens on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.

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