LAFAVE, AGATHA EMELIA Grand Rapids Formerly of Owendale, MI Agatha Emelia (Seurynck) LaFave, age 96, peacefully left us on Friday, June 20, 2014. Agatha was born Christmas Eve, 1917, to Leo and Mary (Savoyard) Seurynck in Gagetown, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Murl LaFave, in 2000, her parents, all of her siblings: Leo Seurynck, Mamie Russell, Elva Cox, Helen Stock, and Rose Margaret Seurynck (in childhood). She was also preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Kurt Berkenpas and Bob Potter. Agatha graduated Gagetown High School and Tuscola County Normal School and then taught until her marriage to Murl in 1943. Together they raised four children who survive: Marsha Potter, Grand Rapids; Dennis (Cheryl) LaFave, Caledonia; Lynette (Randy Mikolowski) LaFave, Traverse City; and Kathy Berkenpas, Grand Haven. Also surviving are her grandchildren and their families: Jared (Sarah) LaFave, Baker and Arden of River Falls, WI; Brooke (Nick) Chapman of Seattle WA; Stephanie (Troy) Teitsma, Jackson and Mary Blythe of Birmingham, MI; and Adam Berkenpas of the Philippines. A devout Catholic, Agatha was a member of St. Agatha's Church in Gagetown, MI. There she was active in Altar Society, serving in several leadership roles, Bible and liturgical study, and other church activities. Along with her sisters, Agatha made liturgical banners which hang yet today in the church sanctuary. She also taught 4-H sewing, was a member of Owendale Study Club, was a captain for American Cancer Society, bowled and golfed. Agatha was known as a creative and talented seamstress, and loved sewing for herself, her daughters and grandchildren. She liked to travel and especially enjoyed two trips to Europe with her daughter, Marsha, as well as many family trips in the U.S. and Canada. She treasured time with her sisters and brother and special neighbors. Together, Agatha and Murl took great pride and care in maintaining their home, farms and business. We loved Mom and Grandma for many things, but especially for her fairness, patience, sense of humor and open-mindedness. She was a great listener and wise counselor, very gracious and giving, always humble and gentle, very practical and frugal. She was always elegant, always a lady, and we will miss her greatly. Our family is profoundly grateful to the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and all the staff at St. Ann's Home in Grand Rapids for their skillful and loving care of our dear mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Ann's Home, 2161 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or a charity of your choice . Visitation at St. Agatha Church, Gagetown, will be Sunday, June 22, 2014 from 6-8 PM. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:30 PM led by Sr. Dorothy Ann Blasko, OP. The Funeral Mass will be 11 AM on Monday, June 23 at St. Agatha Church with Fr. John Weis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memories may be shared online at meyersieckbussemafuneralhome.com.

Published in the Grand Rapids Press June 22, 2014