Marian J. Van Ry passed away at age 95 on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025 at home attended by her children and hospice care. She was born the third daughter to Budd and Sue Eastman on December 8, 1929 in Holland, MI.
She attended Hope College and worked locally as an office manager in a bank, until her marriage to Donald Van Ry in 1954. They were married 67 years. Together they raised their family in Holland and remained after Don’s retirement from Mazda Corporation.
Marian had a great love of family and enjoyed a lifetime of musical interest. She sang in church choir and performed solos, sang for friends and family at weddings and receptions. She studied voice as a student of the late Julliard trained Beulah Dunwoody. In her seventies she sang in the “Remember When” choir at Evergreen Commons and performed in their Tulip Time programs for 6 years. Upon marriage to Don, Marian left the Methodist Church to join the Reformed Church, sang in their choir, taught Sunday School and was active in women’s groups and committees. She worked for Hope College in the 1970s and 1980s.
Marian loved gardening and flowers. She also sewed for her family, making household decor, clothing, and her children’s Dutch costumes. In later years she enjoyed working crossword and variety puzzles. She was a thoughtful, compassionate woman who thought of others, giving encouragement, kind words, and a hug.
Marian is survived by her children: Susan Huey, James Van Ry, and Laura Van Ry; brother, Michael Eastman; several nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don, son-in-law, Michael Huey; her siblings: Jenny Oisten, Lois Mitchell, Donna Dreyer, Thomas Eastman, Robert Eastman, and Stephen Eastman; in-laws: Joyce Van Ry, Bob Van Ry, Mary Lou Van Ry, Cheryl Eastman, Joseph Mitchell, John Dreyer, Robert Oisten, and 3 nephews.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
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