Clarissa W Lappo
JUNE 4, 1914 - OCTOBER 13, 2011
With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of need, Clarissa Lappo brought so much beauty to the world around her. Through her life that spanned nearly a century on this side of heaven, she experienced so much of what life has to offer, but there was nothing that was ever of greater importance to her than her family. Known for her strong work ethic, Clarissa was a resilient woman who took everything in stride while her unwavering faith sustained her during times of great trial. A devoted mother to be sure, Clarissa would say that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest blessing. Her timeless legacy will continue on for generations to come.
Life in America during the early part of the 20th century was a time when America was struggling to find its way. Issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws were front and center in cities across our great land. Nestled within this time was the year 1914 that boasted of great anticipation for one young couple from South Bend, Indiana, who was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby.
Their wait was over on June 4th when the baby girl they named Clarissa Winifred made her arrival. She was one of two children born to her parents, Caleb and Libby (Wolverton) Bucher, and was raised alongside her brother, Carl. Clarissas parents divorced when she was a young girl, and her mother later remarried a man named Harmon Nelund who helped raise Clarissa. They eventually settled in Ravenna, Michigan, where they ran a struggling family farm. Clarissa attended local schools including Ravenna High School where she graduated in the thirties with honors.
With her formal education behind her, Clarissa found work at Anaconda Wire to help provide for her family during the trying days of the Great Depression. It was around that same time that she met the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Mitchell Lappo, and they met at a barn dance in Ravenna. They dated for several years during which time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they became husband and wife on May 5, 1937. Just one year later, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Clarajane CJ.
The young family moved around a bit for several years. They first settled into a very rustic cottage on Wolf Lake in Muskegon. It was so modest in fact, that Clarissa used to shoot snakes in her yard from her front porch! They eventually settled into a home in an area Clarissa affectionately called Polish Heaven on Wilson Avenue.
Mitch spent his career in the lumber industry and during the early years, he bought timber rights on property all over the western side of Michigan. He then cleared the trees for fence posts and eventually for lumber as well. Clarissa often joined him in the woods and regularly cooked for the crews while CJ helped with the horses that hauled the lumber out. They eventually started a sawmill in Fruitport where they processed the lumber Mitch harvested from all over, and it was this operation that later grew into the Lappo Lumber Company. The lumberyard had several fires through the years that nearly destroyed the place, but they always built it back. Clarissa was an integral part of making their business so successful as she supported it and Mitch by running errands and taking care of whatever odd jobs needed to be done.
Since money was tight during their early years they lived in several different houses before finally settling down. They moved to Fruitport in 1948 and although their first small homes weren't much to speak of, Clarissa was a great housekeeper who kept everything running smoothly so their homes were always clean and in order. Clarissa was also a great cook who, according to her grandchildren, was most famous for her pot roast and apple pie. Saturday nights often found Clarissa, Mitch and Cj enjoying moving picture shows at the Grand Theater in Grand Haven. They were also active members at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ. They were always supportive of their community - so much so that Clarissa and Mitch were voted king and queen of Fruitport Old Fashioned Days one year.
Although much of her time was focused on her family, Clarissa enjoyed other things as well. She loved to garden and had a green thumb for roses and irises. In the mid-fifties she and Mitch started vacationing in Mexico during the winter. They drove to various places throughout the country where Mitch went hunting with friends from Fruitport. Their accommodations were very basic, most of the time staying in the travel trailer that they towed down there. Although these trips werent really Clarissas favorite thing to do, she supported Mitch in what he liked to do. At times they also brought their boat down there as well. Clarissa was active in a bowling league in Fruitport, and she additionally participated in a golf league and enjoyed taking golf trips out of state with her girlfriends. During their later years Clarissa and Mitch got a place in Arizona where Clarissa stayed while Mitch went down to Mexico with his buddies for some hunting and fishing.
Sadly, it was a car accident in Mexico in 1989 that claimed the life of her beloved husband of 52 years. Clarissa was deeply saddened, but was able to continue on through the strength of her faith and the love of her family.
A short time later Clarissa sold the business, which freed her up to spend more time with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were always particularly fond of their Saturday night visits to Bill Knapps. Clarissa lived on her own for many years and also still wintered in Texas, but she later moved in with her daughter with whom she was very close. Her grandchildren continued to enjoy her stories and lively sense of humor that only got better with age. When she needed more care, Clarissa moved into the Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center where she eventually embraced her new way of life.
Through the life of Clarissa Lappo we are reminded that although there are so many gifts in life, there is nothing more valuable than the love we share with those around us. The memories she leaves behind will be a lasting treasure that will never fade away.
Clarissa W Lappo died on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Clarissas family includes her daughter, Clarajane "CJ" Middlecamp of Fruitport; grandchildren, Alyson Middlecamp of Sparta, Seth (Kim Jonkers) Middlecamp of Fruitport, Lisa (David) Middlecamp-Lowder of N Muskegon, Wendolyn (Brian) Thomas of TN; great-grandchildren, Seth II, Destiny, Zoey, Meghan, Natali; great-great-granddaughter, Anne Adele. Services will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, 3 pm at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery.
Visit with Clarissas family and friends on Saturday, 5-7 pm at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Fruitport.
Memorial contributions many be directed to Harbor Hospice-Poppen House.
JUNE 4, 1914 - OCTOBER 13, 2011
With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of need, Clarissa Lappo brought so much beauty to the world around her. Through her life that spanned nearly a century on this side of heaven, she experienced so much of what life has to offer, but there was nothing that was ever of greater importance to her than her family. Known for her strong work ethic, Clarissa was a resilient woman who took everything in stride while her unwavering faith sustained her during times of great trial. A devoted mother to be sure, Clarissa would say that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest blessing. Her timeless legacy will continue on for generations to come.
Life in America during the early part of the 20th century was a time when America was struggling to find its way. Issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws were front and center in cities across our great land. Nestled within this time was the year 1914 that boasted of great anticipation for one young couple from South Bend, Indiana, who was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby.
Their wait was over on June 4th when the baby girl they named Clarissa Winifred made her arrival. She was one of two children born to her parents, Caleb and Libby (Wolverton) Bucher, and was raised alongside her brother, Carl. Clarissas parents divorced when she was a young girl, and her mother later remarried a man named Harmon Nelund who helped raise Clarissa. They eventually settled in Ravenna, Michigan, where they ran a struggling family farm. Clarissa attended local schools including Ravenna High School where she graduated in the thirties with honors.
With her formal education behind her, Clarissa found work at Anaconda Wire to help provide for her family during the trying days of the Great Depression. It was around that same time that she met the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Mitchell Lappo, and they met at a barn dance in Ravenna. They dated for several years during which time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they became husband and wife on May 5, 1937. Just one year later, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Clarajane CJ.
The young family moved around a bit for several years. They first settled into a very rustic cottage on Wolf Lake in Muskegon. It was so modest in fact, that Clarissa used to shoot snakes in her yard from her front porch! They eventually settled into a home in an area Clarissa affectionately called Polish Heaven on Wilson Avenue.
Mitch spent his career in the lumber industry and during the early years, he bought timber rights on property all over the western side of Michigan. He then cleared the trees for fence posts and eventually for lumber as well. Clarissa often joined him in the woods and regularly cooked for the crews while CJ helped with the horses that hauled the lumber out. They eventually started a sawmill in Fruitport where they processed the lumber Mitch harvested from all over, and it was this operation that later grew into the Lappo Lumber Company. The lumberyard had several fires through the years that nearly destroyed the place, but they always built it back. Clarissa was an integral part of making their business so successful as she supported it and Mitch by running errands and taking care of whatever odd jobs needed to be done.
Since money was tight during their early years they lived in several different houses before finally settling down. They moved to Fruitport in 1948 and although their first small homes weren't much to speak of, Clarissa was a great housekeeper who kept everything running smoothly so their homes were always clean and in order. Clarissa was also a great cook who, according to her grandchildren, was most famous for her pot roast and apple pie. Saturday nights often found Clarissa, Mitch and Cj enjoying moving picture shows at the Grand Theater in Grand Haven. They were also active members at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ. They were always supportive of their community - so much so that Clarissa and Mitch were voted king and queen of Fruitport Old Fashioned Days one year.
Although much of her time was focused on her family, Clarissa enjoyed other things as well. She loved to garden and had a green thumb for roses and irises. In the mid-fifties she and Mitch started vacationing in Mexico during the winter. They drove to various places throughout the country where Mitch went hunting with friends from Fruitport. Their accommodations were very basic, most of the time staying in the travel trailer that they towed down there. Although these trips werent really Clarissas favorite thing to do, she supported Mitch in what he liked to do. At times they also brought their boat down there as well. Clarissa was active in a bowling league in Fruitport, and she additionally participated in a golf league and enjoyed taking golf trips out of state with her girlfriends. During their later years Clarissa and Mitch got a place in Arizona where Clarissa stayed while Mitch went down to Mexico with his buddies for some hunting and fishing.
Sadly, it was a car accident in Mexico in 1989 that claimed the life of her beloved husband of 52 years. Clarissa was deeply saddened, but was able to continue on through the strength of her faith and the love of her family.
A short time later Clarissa sold the business, which freed her up to spend more time with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were always particularly fond of their Saturday night visits to Bill Knapps. Clarissa lived on her own for many years and also still wintered in Texas, but she later moved in with her daughter with whom she was very close. Her grandchildren continued to enjoy her stories and lively sense of humor that only got better with age. When she needed more care, Clarissa moved into the Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center where she eventually embraced her new way of life.
Through the life of Clarissa Lappo we are reminded that although there are so many gifts in life, there is nothing more valuable than the love we share with those around us. The memories she leaves behind will be a lasting treasure that will never fade away.
Clarissa W Lappo died on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Clarissas family includes her daughter, Clarajane "CJ" Middlecamp of Fruitport; grandchildren, Alyson Middlecamp of Sparta, Seth (Kim Jonkers) Middlecamp of Fruitport, Lisa (David) Middlecamp-Lowder of N Muskegon, Wendolyn (Brian) Thomas of TN; great-grandchildren, Seth II, Destiny, Zoey, Meghan, Natali; great-great-granddaughter, Anne Adele. Services will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, 3 pm at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery.
Visit with Clarissas family and friends on Saturday, 5-7 pm at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Fruitport.
Memorial contributions many be directed to Harbor Hospice-Poppen House.
Clarissa W Lappo
JUNE 4, 1914 - OCTOBER 13, 2011
With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of need, Clarissa Lappo brought so much beauty to the world around her. Through her life that spanned nearly a century on this side of heaven, she experienced so much of what life has to offer, but there was nothing that was ever of greater importance to her than her family. Known for her strong work ethic, Clarissa was a resilient woman who took everything in stride while her unwavering faith sustained her during times of great trial. A devoted mother to be sure, Clarissa would say that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest blessing. Her timeless legacy will continue on for generations to come.
Life in America during the early part of the 20th century was a time when America was struggling to find its way. Issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws were front and center in cities across our great land. Nestled within this time was the year 1914 that boasted of great anticipation for one young couple from South Bend, Indiana, who was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby.
Their wait was over on June 4th when the baby girl they named Clarissa Winifred made her arrival. She was one of two children born to her parents, Caleb and Libby (Wolverton) Bucher, and was raised alongside her brother, Carl. Clarissas parents divorced when she was a young girl, and her mother later remarried a man named Harmon Nelund who helped raise Clarissa. They eventually settled in Ravenna, Michigan, where they ran a struggling family farm. Clarissa attended local schools including Ravenna High School where she graduated in the thirties with honors.
With her formal education behind her, Clarissa found work at Anaconda Wire to help provide for her family during the trying days of the Great Depression. It was around that same time that she met the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Mitchell Lappo, and they met at a barn dance in Ravenna. They dated for several years during which time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they became husband and wife on May 5, 1937. Just one year later, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Clarajane CJ.
The young family moved around a bit for several years. They first settled into a very rustic cottage on Wolf Lake in Muskegon. It was so modest in fact, that Clarissa used to shoot snakes in her yard from her front porch! They eventually settled into a home in an area Clarissa affectionately called Polish Heaven on Wilson Avenue.
Mitch spent his career in the lumber industry and during the early years, he bought timber rights on property all over the western side of Michigan. He then cleared the trees for fence posts and eventually for lumber as well. Clarissa often joined him in the woods and regularly cooked for the crews while CJ helped with the horses that hauled the lumber out. They eventually started a sawmill in Fruitport where they processed the lumber Mitch harvested from all over, and it was this operation that later grew into the Lappo Lumber Company. The lumberyard had several fires through the years that nearly destroyed the place, but they always built it back. Clarissa was an integral part of making their business so successful as she supported it and Mitch by running errands and taking care of whatever odd jobs needed to be done.
Since money was tight during their early years they lived in several different houses before finally settling down. They moved to Fruitport in 1948 and although their first small homes weren't much to speak of, Clarissa was a great housekeeper who kept everything running smoothly so their homes were always clean and in order. Clarissa was also a great cook who, according to her grandchildren, was most famous for her pot roast and apple pie. Saturday nights often found Clarissa, Mitch and Cj enjoying moving picture shows at the Grand Theater in Grand Haven. They were also active members at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ. They were always supportive of their community - so much so that Clarissa and Mitch were voted king and queen of Fruitport Old Fashioned Days one year.
Although much of her time was focused on her family, Clarissa enjoyed other things as well. She loved to garden and had a green thumb for roses and irises. In the mid-fifties she and Mitch started vacationing in Mexico during the winter. They drove to various places throughout the country where Mitch went hunting with friends from Fruitport. Their accommodations were very basic, most of the time staying in the travel trailer that they towed down there. Although these trips werent really Clarissas favorite thing to do, she supported Mitch in what he liked to do. At times they also brought their boat down there as well. Clarissa was active in a bowling league in Fruitport, and she additionally participated in a golf league and enjoyed taking golf trips out of state with her girlfriends. During their later years Clarissa and Mitch got a place in Arizona where Clarissa stayed while Mitch went down to Mexico with his buddies for some hunting and fishing.
Sadly, it was a car accident in Mexico in 1989 that claimed the life of her beloved husband of 52 years. Clarissa was deeply saddened, but was able to continue on through the strength of her faith and the love of her family.
A short time later Clarissa sold the business, which freed her up to spend more time with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were always particularly fond of their Saturday night visits to Bill Knapps. Clarissa lived on her own for many years and also still wintered in Texas, but she later moved in with her daughter with whom she was very close. Her grandchildren continued to enjoy her stories and lively sense of humor that only got better with age. When she needed more care, Clarissa moved into the Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center where she eventually embraced her new way of life.
Through the life of Clarissa Lappo we are reminded that although there are so many gifts in life, there is nothing more valuable than the love we share with those around us. The memories she leaves behind will be a lasting treasure that will never fade away.
Clarissa W Lappo died on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Clarissas family includes her daughter, Clarajane "CJ" Middlecamp of Fruitport; grandchildren, Alyson Middlecamp of Sparta, Seth (Kim Jonkers) Middlecamp of Fruitport, Lisa (David) Middlecamp-Lowder of N Muskegon, Wendolyn (Brian) Thomas of TN; great-grandchildren, Seth II, Destiny, Zoey, Meghan, Natali; great-great-granddaughter, Anne Adele. Services will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, 3 pm at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery.
Visit with Clarissas family and friends on Saturday, 5-7 pm at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Fruitport.
Memorial contributions many be directed to Harbor Hospice-Poppen House.
JUNE 4, 1914 - OCTOBER 13, 2011
With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of need, Clarissa Lappo brought so much beauty to the world around her. Through her life that spanned nearly a century on this side of heaven, she experienced so much of what life has to offer, but there was nothing that was ever of greater importance to her than her family. Known for her strong work ethic, Clarissa was a resilient woman who took everything in stride while her unwavering faith sustained her during times of great trial. A devoted mother to be sure, Clarissa would say that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest blessing. Her timeless legacy will continue on for generations to come.
Life in America during the early part of the 20th century was a time when America was struggling to find its way. Issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws were front and center in cities across our great land. Nestled within this time was the year 1914 that boasted of great anticipation for one young couple from South Bend, Indiana, who was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby.
Their wait was over on June 4th when the baby girl they named Clarissa Winifred made her arrival. She was one of two children born to her parents, Caleb and Libby (Wolverton) Bucher, and was raised alongside her brother, Carl. Clarissas parents divorced when she was a young girl, and her mother later remarried a man named Harmon Nelund who helped raise Clarissa. They eventually settled in Ravenna, Michigan, where they ran a struggling family farm. Clarissa attended local schools including Ravenna High School where she graduated in the thirties with honors.
With her formal education behind her, Clarissa found work at Anaconda Wire to help provide for her family during the trying days of the Great Depression. It was around that same time that she met the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Mitchell Lappo, and they met at a barn dance in Ravenna. They dated for several years during which time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they became husband and wife on May 5, 1937. Just one year later, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Clarajane CJ.
The young family moved around a bit for several years. They first settled into a very rustic cottage on Wolf Lake in Muskegon. It was so modest in fact, that Clarissa used to shoot snakes in her yard from her front porch! They eventually settled into a home in an area Clarissa affectionately called Polish Heaven on Wilson Avenue.
Mitch spent his career in the lumber industry and during the early years, he bought timber rights on property all over the western side of Michigan. He then cleared the trees for fence posts and eventually for lumber as well. Clarissa often joined him in the woods and regularly cooked for the crews while CJ helped with the horses that hauled the lumber out. They eventually started a sawmill in Fruitport where they processed the lumber Mitch harvested from all over, and it was this operation that later grew into the Lappo Lumber Company. The lumberyard had several fires through the years that nearly destroyed the place, but they always built it back. Clarissa was an integral part of making their business so successful as she supported it and Mitch by running errands and taking care of whatever odd jobs needed to be done.
Since money was tight during their early years they lived in several different houses before finally settling down. They moved to Fruitport in 1948 and although their first small homes weren't much to speak of, Clarissa was a great housekeeper who kept everything running smoothly so their homes were always clean and in order. Clarissa was also a great cook who, according to her grandchildren, was most famous for her pot roast and apple pie. Saturday nights often found Clarissa, Mitch and Cj enjoying moving picture shows at the Grand Theater in Grand Haven. They were also active members at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ. They were always supportive of their community - so much so that Clarissa and Mitch were voted king and queen of Fruitport Old Fashioned Days one year.
Although much of her time was focused on her family, Clarissa enjoyed other things as well. She loved to garden and had a green thumb for roses and irises. In the mid-fifties she and Mitch started vacationing in Mexico during the winter. They drove to various places throughout the country where Mitch went hunting with friends from Fruitport. Their accommodations were very basic, most of the time staying in the travel trailer that they towed down there. Although these trips werent really Clarissas favorite thing to do, she supported Mitch in what he liked to do. At times they also brought their boat down there as well. Clarissa was active in a bowling league in Fruitport, and she additionally participated in a golf league and enjoyed taking golf trips out of state with her girlfriends. During their later years Clarissa and Mitch got a place in Arizona where Clarissa stayed while Mitch went down to Mexico with his buddies for some hunting and fishing.
Sadly, it was a car accident in Mexico in 1989 that claimed the life of her beloved husband of 52 years. Clarissa was deeply saddened, but was able to continue on through the strength of her faith and the love of her family.
A short time later Clarissa sold the business, which freed her up to spend more time with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were always particularly fond of their Saturday night visits to Bill Knapps. Clarissa lived on her own for many years and also still wintered in Texas, but she later moved in with her daughter with whom she was very close. Her grandchildren continued to enjoy her stories and lively sense of humor that only got better with age. When she needed more care, Clarissa moved into the Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center where she eventually embraced her new way of life.
Through the life of Clarissa Lappo we are reminded that although there are so many gifts in life, there is nothing more valuable than the love we share with those around us. The memories she leaves behind will be a lasting treasure that will never fade away.
Clarissa W Lappo died on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Clarissas family includes her daughter, Clarajane "CJ" Middlecamp of Fruitport; grandchildren, Alyson Middlecamp of Sparta, Seth (Kim Jonkers) Middlecamp of Fruitport, Lisa (David) Middlecamp-Lowder of N Muskegon, Wendolyn (Brian) Thomas of TN; great-grandchildren, Seth II, Destiny, Zoey, Meghan, Natali; great-great-granddaughter, Anne Adele. Services will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, 3 pm at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery.
Visit with Clarissas family and friends on Saturday, 5-7 pm at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Fruitport.
Memorial contributions many be directed to Harbor Hospice-Poppen House.
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