Helen A. (Boerman) Swinehart

Helen A. Swinehart, age 98, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 8, 1927, and was raised on her family's farm in Fremont. Helen married Howard Swinehart and they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. They began their life in Coopersville before settling in Grant, where they raised their eight children (four daughters and four sons), while building and operating the family business, Grant Furniture. After retirement, they moved to Grand Haven.

Helen's greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with family and friends and was happiest when everyone gathered together, especially for the large Thanksgiving dinners she hosted over the years. She was well known for making the best strawberry jam, warm cinnamon rolls, homemade apple sauce and pies. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, basket weaving, and supporting the local farmer's market.

Helen loved life's simple pleasures. She looked forward to playing board games and cards (especially cribbage), going on picnics, spending time at the beach and attending the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival (a tradition she loved celebrating). Above all, she treasured being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend sporting events or activities of her children and grandchildren. Helen will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, strong faith and welcoming spirit. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel at home, her love, and quiet strength touched countless lives.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. Helen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her eight children: Riley (Tish) Swinehart, Mark (MaryJo) Swinehart, Nancy D'Elia, Jon (Cathy) Swinehart, Barb (Mike) Laird, Jan (Bill) Schaefer, Sally Dingman, and Clinton Swinehart; 18 grandchildren and their spouses; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

The Funeral Mass for Helen will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Helen Devos Children's Hospital Foundation.

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