Christine Guimond-Cairns

Christine Guimond-Cairns, 65, passed away on August 9, 2018 after an extended battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She was born in Grand Haven on May 12, 1953, to Francis and Violet Guimond. She was one of four girls and is survived by her three sisters, Anne, Frances, and Julie Guimond.

This year marks 30 years of marriage to Dennis Cairns. Marrying in 1988, she became a devoted mother to two stepsons, Benjamin and David Cairns. Chris later became Mother-in-law to Kathleen Cairns and Michele Kruegel; loving Grandmother to Caroline, Brennan, Graham and Tallulah; Aunt to Jason & Abbey Daniels and Logan & Anthony Delke; and lifelong friend of the McDougall’s and Keim’s.

Chris was a passionate and committed educator, pursuing a teaching degree and, later, a Master’s in Education from Western Michigan University. She taught third grade in Allendale before eventually becoming the Curriculum Director and Director of Special Education. Part of her legacy there also included overseeing construction of the Allendale High School completed in 1997. Chris finished her career with 12 years as Assistant Superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools, retiring in 2010.

In addition to her commitment to public education, Chris was a spiritual person, beginning as a Presbyterian. She and Dennis were married in Grand Haven’s First Presbyterian Church and later helped introduce a contemporary service to the congregation. In the years following, they also started their own contemporary church, Harvest House, in Grand Haven. Most recently they attended Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville.

Chris had a sense of adventure. She was an avid skier (cross-country and downhill), as well as a windsurfer for many years. She loved to travel with friends and family; going upstate, across the country or overseas. When home, she loved gardening and even won the Best-in-Show award for her Daylily at the Tri-Cities Garden Club. She was an animal lover as well, with many faithful golden retrievers and a few independent-minded cats over the years.

Chris has donated her body to research through the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker Medical School with the hope it may help advance Alzheimer’s treatment options and make progress toward an eventual cure.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Ave, with Allison Ash officiating. Fellowship and refreshments will be provided immediately following. The family requests casual attire.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Holland. 

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