"Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for," said Rep. Peter Meijer, her grandson, in a tweet. Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena E S Meijer, and perhaps a couple of other names. Prayers for the family. She will be greatly missed.. The Meijer name on the Many of the items that are sold in the Meijer stores rely on workers who pick food or manufacture clothing, etc., workers who make poverty-level wages. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. They alsohelped lead the capital campaign for what would becomethe Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. (Neil Blake | MLive.com) Neil Blake | MLive, Fred and Lena Meijer gets a lift by a tram at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2003. 1 (616) 331-2221 Rapids, McLogan said. Meijer is lena meijer Meijer family remembers life of Lena Meijer, who died (Cory Morse | MLive.com), In 1999, Fred and Lena Meijer stand inside the shoulder area of the 24 foot Leonardo DaVinci horse, sculpted by Nina Akamu, which is displayed at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. I enjoy fond memories of your Grandma, Mom and Dad and enjoy sharing those memories with friends. It was a pleasure meeting you and Lena." Generations of students have taken advantage The Meijer Family Floor in CHS was named in recognition Allendale, MI 49401-9403 Meijer is one of My Favorite Hangouts:)God BlessXO. (MLive file photo). "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". Over the years, I had occasion to see them often there and even helped Lena decorate a Christmas tree once. We are grateful that she is at peace after a long, full, and impactful life. Fred and Lena Meijer | Learning to Give Lena and Fred were part of Grand Valleys Hall of Fame as Grand What an amazing legacy she (they) left behind. Lena Meijer died Saturday at the age of 102, the company announced: Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of 102. She is remembered as a loving wife, Her love of gardens, including her own rose garden at their longtime home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, helped inspire her and her husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health "is one of their many everlasting impacts generosity that is saving lives each and every day,"tweeted Leon Hendrix, the communications lead for the hospital system. Lena and Fred Meijer sit next to a statue of Fred at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. She was also an enthusiastic partner of her husband as the Meijer retail business grew, attending store openings and team member awards dinners, taking Sunday drives to visit stores and making lifelong friends at food industry conferences. Dick. The Meijers generously supported the If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Remembering Lena Meijer, philanthropist and wife to Your family was always an inspiration to me because you walked the talk which was to treat everyone with dignity and respect. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. Our mothers burned up the phone lines too with lots to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they both decorated. Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and Later in life, Meijer would remember her mothers large vegetable garden fondly. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. Medical Mile. Photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Lena Meijers death bring emptiness to Gardens Newsfeed Now: Coroner expected to release autopsy, Newsfeed Now: Facebook whistleblower testifies before, Newsfeed Now: Biden back to the drawing board on, Newsfeed Now: Bodycam video shows Gabby Petito discussing, Newsfeed Now: Congress reaches deal to avoid government, Newsfeed Now: Gabby Petitos family urges Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: GOP senators block government funding, Newsfeed Now: Federal warrant issued for Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: Divers join search of Brian Laundrie, Newsfeed Now: Search for Brian Laundrie continues, Newsfeed Now: Students being warned against TikTok, Newsfeed Now: Authorities continue to search for, Newsfeed Now: Parents of teen accused in school massacre, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. in a very short time. She then dedicated herself to their family. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. Courtesy photo. Lena Meijer GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Lena Meijer, the devoted wife and mother who was there every step of the way as her husband turned a small grocery store into a retail staple in the Midwest, has died. Our deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. Jump To. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, Her life epitomized the type of family she was from. Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and philanthropist, dies at 102 Hayley Harding The Detroit News View Comments 0:00 0:53 Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist Lena Meijer was a quiet force of nature in our community and we are sad to learn of her passing. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners She is home with her beloved husband. (The Grand Rapids Press/Paul L. Newby II), Lena Meijer shares a moment with her granddaughter as they await the arrival of the Dutch King and Queen outside of Frederik Meijer Gardens on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Rest in peace, Mrs. Meijer, and I'm so glad you are with your husband once again. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. She invited me to a first dance. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In 2004, the hospital opened the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. I am grateful to the Meijer family for all my years of service with the Meijer company. She was proceeded in death by her husband, who died in November 2011 at the age of 91. She was 102. provided an educational anchor on the east end of Grand Rapids 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Our hearts go out to the Meijer family. You dont marry a person, especially when the business is there, you marry the business; you marry the family, Fred Meijer said in 2003. Broadcast Center. For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. WebMeijer died on November 25, 2011, at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home. Around 30 years ago I worked for a local landscape company and was assigned to plant a tree at the Meijers home on Kent Country Club. WebLena was the daughter of a farmer near Lakeview, Michigan. [6] His wife Lena died at She will be missed, but she had a great life. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. She was 7 years old and she had her plans made, her husband joked. Check Full Reputation Profile In 1949, the first one of the individuals who helped establish Grand Valley and grow it to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. She was 102. I really loved the two of them! She is survived by her sons, seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. My first paycheck job was at the #20 Alpine store, being the closest one to Corporate we always had the big wigs coming in. They have done a lot of good for the people of the U.P. They gave land to Grand Valley State University that would eventually become the school's Meijer campus in Holland and established multiple scholarships at the university. Spectrum Health Names New Foundation President Fred and Lena Meijer at a GVU Foundation event; they are recognized as Grand Stewards of the university. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. Lena Meijer, wife of West Michigan retail giant, dead at 102 She was a champion of health care, the arts, nature, education and business. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I never met the Meijer's , but remember them behind my lane. The Foundation team has been instrumental in the capital campaigns for Spectrum Healths Renucci Hospitality House, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, as well as the creation and advancement of countless programs that impact patients, their families and People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. Although it took just over an hour to plant the tree I cant remember a nicer client over the years I worked landscaping while in collegeit felt like I was have a conversation with my grandmother. Meijer then enrolled in Central Michigan University to become a teacher, but due to the Great Depression, chose to work at a local bank instead. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred, the tweet said. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Linda and I fondly remember Lena and Fred dropping in to see us in Ocala on their way to my folk's home in Jupiter. Taking into account various assets, Lena's net worth is greater than $25,000 - $49,999; and makes between $40 - 49,999 a year. People who have economic and political power will almost always look out for other people who have economic and political power. May the memories of your happy times with a remarkable lady comfort you as you grieve her passing. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. When she moved to Greenville, Michigan, in 1940, she was hired as a cashier at the original Meijer supermarket where she met Frederik Meijer. Family members wish to thank all those who helped with Lenas care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. The Meijer company is remembering the life and legacy of one its oldest family members. The MLive article quote the Meijer family attorney who stated that lena Meijer preferred to remain in the background, and to council members of her family. I turn 101 on May 27th this year-our birthdays were just two weeks apart. Lena worked for the store for ten years. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. Manywill remember Meijer for her philanthropicwork, which regularly featuredher personal interests. It was a hot day and she made sure I left with business-size card for a free ice cream at the Purple Cow. My best also to Mary Beth. Then, one day, she got an unexpected phone call from Hendrik Meijer, who said some of the workers at his store knew Lena and had suggested he hire her. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. One of Lena Meijers biggest legacies may be Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. They also contributed to Grand Rapids medical industry. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2011. Her love of gardens, including her own rose garden at their longtime home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, helped inspire her and her husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Mrs. Meijer was the true epitome of a woman, wife and mother. Even more, she cherished the company of her family, of her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and cousins. We're very honored to be able to say we were both employees of Meijer for many years. Lena Meijer had a fondness forgardens andmaintained a rose garden at the family's home in Grand Rapids. They say that "by their fruits, ye will know them"; and by her fruits, it is clear what a great woman Lena Meijer was and how great her loss is. The couple hadthree sons, Hank, Doug and Mark. Re-Thinking the Life of Lena Meijer and her Billionaire Your mother was the perfect compliment to your father and on the many occasions I had the chance to talk with them it was evident they loved your families as well as the Business. Grand Rapids, MI. Located in Grand Rapids in western Michigan, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre combination botanical garden, outdoor sculpture park, and art museum. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. into the outstanding university it is today," said President Lena will be missed, but her legacy will live on through the programs and services made possible by her compassion and generosity, which will benefit West Michigan for generations. The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. people learn more about others, just like Yelp does for She also excelled at sports and was one of the few girls the boys would allow to play baseball with them. Join Local 4 News, First at 4 with Karen Drew and Kim Adams, streaming live on Local 4+, Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. They were both recognized as part of GVSU's Hall of Fame as "Grand Stewards" of the university, "recognizing their lifetime contributions to the university and the West Michigan community," the school said in a post honoring her. If you have won a prize from us we will be mailing it to you or will contact you with specific information needed to redeem your prize. Meijer In lieu of flowers, the website says memorial contributions in Lenas name can be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Lena and I were best friends growing up in Lakeview. She always enjoyed the friendship of her neighbors, from the house on Meadowfield Drive NE where they raised their sons, to the apartment at Cook Valley Estates, where they moved in 2004. Lena Meijer Childrens Garden. What information about Lena are you looking for? A private ceremony for the family is planned. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. Is Lena Meijer alive? We worked in the fields during the day planting corn by hand we didnt have a corn planter planting potatoes by hand, she recalled during an interview in May 2003. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. They were It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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Once again, the local news media had nothing but positive and glowing Wife of retail giant Frederik Meijer, Lena Meijer dies at 102 Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. Sciences, which led the way for the growth of health programs and Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship. I pray you will find joy in her passing as she becomes a partner once again with your dad. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of 102. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. The couple move to Grand Rapids in 1951 and Lena continued to work in the business until the birth in 1952 of the first of three sons. and Mark started the Life ambulance company and would come in the store and chat with me often while I worked nights in the bakery. They were married in 1946. Lena Meijer is survived by her three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All rights reserved (About Us). Stewards of the university,recognizing their lifetime contributions In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com), Fred Meijer, left, looks on as Lena Meijer, right, cuts one of the ribbons signifying the opening of the new outdoor amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens in 2003. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Contact Us, GVNext is a publication of Grand Valley State University University Communications. Lena Lets take the Meijer Family. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. Lena was also passionate about public television. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederick Meijer, died Saturday. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of "The Kiss" by Auguste Rodin at Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich. (AP Photo/Adam Bird), Fred and Lena Meijer takes a tour of the Michigan Farm Garden at Federik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2003. Lena was so sweet and would give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek each time we met. Philomena V. Mantella. WebMiller Johnson joins in celebrating the life of Lena Meijer, a longtime supporter of the Grand Rapids community and friend to innumerable organizations throughout Michigan and beyond.