Marie Jose Straetmans

Straetmans, Marie Jose (Josie to many), July 15th, 2016, age 87. She was the beloved wife of the late Edmond Straetmans, Macomb County bowling proprietor. She was the only child of the late Edward and Gabrielle Vertommen, who immigrated to the US from Belgium. Jose was the "best mother ever" to John (Mary), Christine (Dave) Wurm, Mark (Julie), Michael (Marlene), Robert (Kristin), Catherine (Warren) Reasoner, Paul (Julie), Teri (Peter) Mahu, and Edmond (Lisa). Proud grandmother to Tish (Brian) Macuga, Jeanne Baumgartner and John Patrick Straetmans, David (Maria) Quint, Carrie (Tim) Schaefer, Kimberly (Pawel) Aftyka, Mark Straetmans, Corey (Brian) McIsaac, Lindsay (James) Purrington, Paul Jr. (Sarah) Straetmans, Madison and Haley Straetmans, Peter Edmond Mahu, Benjamin and Matthew Reasoner, and Scott and Jack Straetmans. Twenty-two great-grandchildren also had the lucky pleasure of being a part of her world (there are two more coming soon)! From Jose's early years, she was always the most inquisitive of souls. She became a trained concert pianist, and loved her music, even listening to the DSO online in her later years. She never stopped learning new things every day. She loved astrology, the art of massage, and checked out any new fitness or health trend to see if it would benefit her or anyone she knew. Memories from her children and grandchildren include stories of boating adventures, business endeavors, but much more importantly, her loving nature. [From John: that her "stretchy heart" had the capacity to feel love for everyone she came in contact with. She was the best of mothers, always in love with her nine children. She always wanted her children to love each other and get along - a task in which she succeeded wonderfully.][From Skip: I often thought of Jose as my mother even more than I did my own mother, she never judged me, was always understanding and full of love]. She was the absolute best listener. [From Cathy: She was my best friend. We talked every day when we could. She was always supportive and insightful.] She would often place her hand ever so gently on your arm while you spoke to let you know she was truly listening. She could simplify the most difficult situations, partly due to her love and understanding of God, and her deep spirituality. One of her last pieces of advice to a granddaughter was to read the whole bible - "THE WHOLE BOOK!" [From Tish - This woman never forgot a birthday! I was blessed to be her oldest grandchild, born when she was still raising her own kids. I got to go "galavanting around" with her (running errands) and was blessed to vacation with she and Grandpa Eddie in beautiful Georgian Bay with my cousin David, some of my favorite childhood memories.] One of her great-grandchildren received a birthday card in the mail the day after she died. Two of her great-grandchildren's very fist thoughts upon hearing the news of her death was to remind us she was always smiling...and then later to say how selfless she was - she always put others first (and she sure had a lot of "others" in her life). Whether it was helping you figure out a special diet, to making sure she found a way to an important life event...she truly made others' needs a priority in her heart. Many of her great-grandchildren were blessed to truly get to know her, her beautiful spirit, an amazing example, helping guide them even at tender ages. She leaves quite a legacy. Her family exudes the unconditional love she taught us. She has taught us so much more. She taught us how to age gracefully, even with serious health challenges along the way. [From Mary: She gave me a great example of how to care for aging parents, in-laws and a sick husband. She took me into her stretchy heart, as she has always done since with every current and former daughter or son-in-law, which is amazing to me. She wanted each person she met along the way to love life and each other to the greatest degree possible. Jose gave her "alphabet" to each of us (sometimes multiple times). Without a voice these last years, it was her life lessons to her legacy and each person she met along the way, and what life lessons they are! It speaks to her character and persistence.] She has also charged us with the care of her beloved Mirach Island, where generations of memories have been, and are still being made. Maybe I really am crazy, HELP! The sunrise and sunset views from this precious piece of land can not be rivaled by the prettiest Caribbean island. Florida was Jose's second home for many years. Two of her grandsons, Benjamin and Matthew, were lucky to have her all to themselves while she spent many winters in the sunshine. [From Benjamin: When I was a small child, we used to go for long walks, exploring the nature preserves behind her home. I always remarked how wonderful it was to have a grandmother who went out exploring with me, rather than just staying inside the house. Sundays were days with Grandma. Instead of dreading visiting her, I always looked forward to it! She would give me amazing massages sometimes and had an aura about her...her hands were so strong and so warm. She was a wonderful listener and always had great advice to give.] While in Florida, she also taught English as a Second Language to immigrants and made friends wherever she went. No one could possibly forget Jose. Her loss leaves a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in our hearts, but we all know she is smiling down on us from heaven, and probably talking a whole lot too, now that she finally has her voice back. Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, friend, you will forever be missed, but never forgotten. A memorial celebration of Jose's life will be scheduled at a later date.

Marie Jose Straetmans

May 29, 1929 - July 15, 2016