Marjory Koster

Marjory Jean Grant Koster died on March 14, 2023 at age 97. She lived a full life, being a kind and loving person to all who knew her. Her family came first and art was her ‘work’ and she became an accomplished and respected artist in the 1960’s, creating unique large woodcuts, printed by hand. Her works are included in the collections of many museums: The Metropolitan and The Brooklyn in New York and the Detroit Art Institute. Her prints are on display in many places in Grand Rapids including GVSU, GRCC and City Hall.  Intelligence and the drive to create often led to the inclusion of societal issues in her works. She was also a prolific writer of poetry and prose. She created a cloth doll pattern and garnered community support in making hundreds of dolls for the children in war torn Bosnia, distributed by International Aid.  Teaching art to children and adults became another love of hers. Marjory was forever curious and learned to knit, crochet, sew, weave, create sculpture and shared her craft with many, often finding less expensive ways of doing things so everybody could participate.  Becoming fascinated with the Monarch Butterfly, she collected, observed and photographed them including their entire metamorphoses.  Another love was rocks, having collected many from all parts of Michigan.  Forever ‘stopping to smell the roses’ she wanted to share the excitement of living, with others.  Always seeking justice and equity, she was a caring supporter of underdogs everywhere.

She will be missed by her family and friends, for she was truly an unforgettable character!  Born the daughter of Mary Bedford Grant and Frances W. Grant, having one sister Elaine Grant (Edward) VanderVeen, she married George R. Koster in 1946, gained brother-in-law Walter (Rosemary) Koster and sister-in-law Shirley Koster and had three daughters Susan (John) Kellogg, Jeanne (Neale) Bauman and Barbara Dingman.  Along came 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Neale) Bauman, grandchildren Michael Reen, John (Heidi) Kellogg, Michelle Reen (Brad Koehn), Sarah Kellogg (Brendan Neff), Carl (Heather) Bauman, Steve (Lisa) Corbett, Dave (Kate) Corbett, Polly Corbett (Jay Englund), Kim Bauman (Shawn McElmurry) and Christine Dingman.  She was fortunate to gain several extraordinary in-laws.  Her son-in-law, Neale Bauman was steadfast in his willingness to assist her with any need that arose including artistic endeavors and home improvement projects.  Kate and Lisa Corbett both had very rewarding relationships with her, sharing many of her passions and years of their lives learning and growing together.

We want to thank the loving caregivers at Vista Springs Northview and Spectrum Hospice for taking good care of Marjory. Donations to honor her can be made to The Blandford Nature Center, a place where she volunteered and loved to spend time. A Family Memorial will be planned at a later date.