Nellie Harthorn

Nellie Mae Harthorn Born 9-30-32 Died 12-31-22 Nell (Nellie Mae) Harthorn, 90, of Grand Rapids, MI journeyed from this life into the next, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, after a short illness while being cared for by Spectrum Health Hospice and the medical staff at Medilodge, formerly Pilgrim Manor. Nellie Mae Harthorn was born at home near Doon, IA on September 30, 1932, to Cornelius and Marie (Dahm) Harthoorn. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sylvia (Harthoorn) Kempema; brother-in-law, Ray Kempema; brother, Cornie Harthoorn; sister-in-law, Grace Harthoorn; and brother-in-law, Leonard Bouma. She is survived by one sister, Trudy (Harthoorn) Bouma of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and remembered fondly by a special niece who adored her, Denise Lien and her husband. She left behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. After high school graduation, Nell attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI to pursue a degree in elementary education. During her early adulthood she taught in Lynden, Washington, and then in Vancouver, Canada. Later, she returned to Grand Rapids, MI where she lived for the past forty years. She worked for ten years as a home health aide with Spectrum Health Continuing Care until her late 70's. Nell loved walking her friends' dogs, listening to classical music and opera and reading spiritual books by her favorite authors. She was dedicated to her precious cats whom she provided a loving home for over many years. Her compassion for those living in poverty and in war torn countries moved her to generously donate to her favorite charities. She practiced living simply, so others could simply live. A true inspiration to many. Over the past two decades, Nell made lifelong friends at Fountain Street Church. Through the ministry of her church, Nell participated in Connections Groups and found this to be essential to her spiritual growth and well-being. She was especially grateful to Louisa Wheeler, Kathleen Higgins, and Mary Jo Jezowski who coordinated her care in the last couple years of her life. A celebration of her life will be held at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fountain Street Church are gratefully appreciated. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nellie Harthorn, please visit our flower store.