AUGUST 4, 1934 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Margaret Jean Vander Vere, left this world at the remarkable age of ninety. Diagnosed with dementia and pre-Alzheimer’s in 1999, Margaret approached her diagnosis like she approached life — with determination, humor, and love. For nearly 25 years, she stared Alzheimer’s down, never giving it the satisfaction of taking away the most important parts of who she was. She remembered her family and friends right up until the very end, showing us all that a sharp mind is not always the measure of a beautiful heart.
Margaret met and married Ben Geib at the tender age of 15. They were married for several years and had a son Daniel out of their union. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce. In 1955, Margaret married the love of her life, Raymond Lee Vander Vere and they remained committed to each other for 62 years, until his death in 2017. Their union produced two children, Jon and Marraya.
Margaret was a very devout Christian and wanted her children raised in the Christian faith. Friends and family were especially important to her, making many trips across the country to visit family and friends. She routinely read her Bible, prayed, volunteered, and corresponded with her wonderful, supportive friends and family over the years.
Margaret was an excellent cook, baker, cake decorator, seamstress and enjoyed painting and doing arts and crafts projects with Ray to stay active. When she went to live at Good Samaritan in Windsor, Colorado her favorite part of the day was sitting outside in the sun, and spreading Christ’s light by greeting those who had come to visit the residents. She enjoyed listening to music, especially the old crooners. She would get the biggest smile when she recognized the song and often sang along. She was a joy to watch when the music touched her soul!
Margaret was predeceased by her husband Raymond Lee Vander Vere, mother, Eleanor Nevitt Steffen Daines; father Henry Carl Lewis Steffen; her brothers, LeRoy and David Steffen; her sister, Martha Webster; and her great grandson, Azariah Rigby.
Margaret is survived by a family that loved her dearly: her brother Phillip Steffen; brother-in-law, Stewart Vander Vere; her sons Daniel (Dodie) Geib Vander Vere and Jon (Cynthia) Vander Vere; her daughter, Marraya (David) Metzger; 8 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Good Samaritan Assisted Living/Memory Care, Columbine Commons, Pathways Hospice and the Neptune Society for the love and support you showed Mom and family during her time under your care. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate in Margaret’s name to a charity of your choice or to one of the following: Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, CO., Good Samaritan Society in Windsor, CO., or Samaritan’s Purse/Billy Graham Ministries.
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on October 17, 2024, at 2pm at Immanual Lutheran Church, 631 Grand Street, Allegan, Michigan, with Pastor Christopher Laughlin presiding. Following the service, Margaret along with her beloved husband Raymond will be interred at Poplar Hill Cemetery.
We pray that Margaret is safely home, at peace and made whole again in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant!
