Mary Elizabeth Fris

Mary Elizabeth Theresa Fris was born on February 10, 1922, in New York City, NY, and died March 19, 2021, in Holland, MI. Mary is the daughter of immigrant parents, Johannes and Marguerite (Fountain) Muilman. Her family eventually settled in Grand Rapids. Mary married Jacob Dale Fris on August 7, 1945. They have three children: Victoria (Bruce) Menning, J (Teresa) Fris, John (Allyson) Fris; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Jason), Rachel (Cary), Rebekah (Willis), Benjamin, Jonathon (Katie), Andrew, Christopher (Katie), Elizabeth, and Jacob; six great-grandchildren: Grace, Hannah, Simeon, Chloe, Wyatt, and Scout. Mary will be remembered as a passionately loving mother, a fun-loving grandmother, a tender loving great grandmother, and a loyal loving friend. Mary had deep compassion for people who were lonely and struggling and was sensitive to the needs of those who didn’t quite fit. Mary and Dale loved dogs and had many throughout their sixty-five years of marriage. She knew all the words to familiar and obscure nursery rhymes (legacy of her English mother), and when her mind no longer remembered much else she often recited “ditties” unheard before by her loved ones. Mary dedicated her life to loving, supporting, and caring for her husband, children, and grands. She worked behind the scenes in the family businesses, never seeking the spotlight. She had many dear friends whom she cherished and enjoyed. Mary was fiercely independent and when she could no longer care completely for herself, was graciously appreciative of the staff at The Maplewoods Cottages who so kindly helped her live and die with dignity. She was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Holland for 75 years. Her family will gather in July to celebrate her life and faith. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial gifts may be sent to Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Avenue; Holland, MI 49423 or the Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley Street; West Olive, MI 49460. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.