We celebrate the vibrant life of Ethel “Jean” Carpenter. She brought light and laughter to everyone she met. Jean passed away on Friday June 26, 2026. Born on February 12, 1935, to Arthur and Lydia Van Dragt. She lived on their farm in Grandville, MI. Jean graduated from Grandville High School and went to work for Bell Telephone Co. While vacationing with friends at Holland State Park, she met a young man, Charles Ira Carpenter, who three years later would become her husband. They lived in Grand Rapids for a short time, but soon they relocated to Holland where they spent the next 61 years creating a welcoming home and raising their family. Jean lived a full 91 years defined by her constant smile and a wonderful love of laughter.
Jeans’ energy extended into her professional life, where she served as a secretary for the food service at Hope College for over 25 years. Outside of work, she embraced her passion for bowling, golf, reading, and baking; finding joy in every activity she pursued. Jean and Chuck built their dream retirement home on a piece of lakefront property overlooking the harbor on Beaver Island, MI in the mid 80’s. They spent their retirement between island life in the early spring to late fall and Arizona in the winter months. Jean will be remembered by so many for being kind and warm hearted, a good friend and neighbor with an infectious laugh and sense of humor.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ira Carpenter Jr.; her sister, Dorothy Bronkema; and brother, Robert Van Dragt.
Her spirit lives on through her beloved family. She is remembered by her children, Susan (Rick) Middlecamp and Charles Arthur Carpenter. Her legacy of joy continues with her grandchildren, Courtney (Evan) Koch, Kaitlin Fritzsche, Joscelyn (Brandt) Welcher and Cole (Kate) Middlecamp; great grandchildren, Carter, Charles, Liam, Drew, Wade, Madeline, and Gideon; and nieces, Sally Sedlacek and Lynda Dubbs.
Jeans’ family wishes to thank the caring staff at American House, the hospice nurses and therapists from Corewell Heath and all who have visited Jean over the last few years.
We honor a life lived with zest and a heart that always shared a smile. Jeans’ presence was a gift to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026, from 1-3pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. Holland, MI 49424.
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