““Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Life story
Paula (Groening) Mairs, age 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday June 3rd, 2024. She was born December 18, 1950, to Carl and Constance (Conard) Groening.
Paula was the 2nd of 6 siblings who adored her greatly. She went to St. Francis of Xavier Catholic School and then graduated from Catholic Central High School with the class of 1969. Paula then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in history from Aquinas College. Paula became a substitute teacher for a few years before getting married and starting a family. She loved to read. If you knew her you knew that she always had a book in her hand. Paula also loved to spend time with her family and her many grandchildren. Paula enjoyed putting together puzzles to keep her mind sharp. You could always hear Paula laughing when she would watch her favorite British show “Keeping up Appearances” Paula was a very kind and caring women, she had love to go around for everyone.
Paula is survived by her children: Ian (Lydia) Mairs, Molly ( Joseph) Vanderzee, Bonus Daughter Bernadette (Brent) Joyce; grandchildren: Nathan, Destinee, Bentley, Ellie, Jonah, Caleb, Rhee, Dede, Zelda, Roland, Jack, Ezra, Anthony, Emma, Noah, & Kai; her brothers Carl (Mary Kay) Groening, Richard ( Susan) Groening, Ronald Groening, and only sister Christine Wiseman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special people in her life.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Carl and Constance Groening, her youngest brother Timothy Groening and her brother-in-law John Wiseman.
The family would like to thank the staff of Metro Health Hospital who took care of Paula during her short time there. The nurses and doctors showed compassion and empathy and provided the best care.
Family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10th, 2024 at North Ridge Funeral Home, 88 E Division Street, Sparta, MI 49345. A praying of the rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 at North Ridge Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bruce Wilson Officiating. Interment will be held at 9:30am on Friday, June 14th, 2024 at Resurrection Cemetery in Wyoming, MI. Contributions in memory of Paula may be made to the Kent District Library at https://kdl.org/donate/.
Family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10th, 2024 at North Ridge Funeral Home, 88 E Division Street, Sparta, MI 49345. A praying of the rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 at North Ridge Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bruce Wilson Officiating.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Paula, please visit our Tree Store.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. I lost my best friend the day that you passed away. The world became a little bit more dim. I have simply learned to put one foot in front of the other because you taught me to be strong. I promised you that day that I will never let your memory die. I’m promising you for years to come, people will know how special, how kind, how genuine, how special and how many peoples lives you changed for the better. The fact that you never judged a soul made the world a better place. I love you, and will forever honor you!
