Marjorie Ann Bocks, 95 of Holland, Michigan passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Libby) Bocks, Jessica (Buu Chau) Le, Nathan (Elizabeth) Bocks, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored. She was predeceased by her son, Samuel, and her loving husband of 64 years, William M. (Bill) Bocks.
Bill and Marge first met at just two years old. They dated in high school, at Hope College, and were married during spring break their senior year, just before Bill was drafted into the Korean War. Marge began her lifelong teaching career following Bill in the army to Texas, then Pittsburgh, then Washington, and eventually back to Michigan. They started a family in Martin, Michigan, and their careers took them to Bloomingdale, Hamilton, Muskegon, Menominee, Grand Haven, Port Colborne, Ontario, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, then to retirement back in Grand Haven, and Holland.
Marjorie was always a teacher. Throughout her career she taught almost every subject at every grade level, eventually specializing in teaching reading to children and young adults. She was a highly educated career woman before it was common, earning her master’s degree by age 50. She was strong, independent, tough, caring, supportive, and had high expectations.
Her greatest gift was her belief in the abilities of those she loved and her willingness to help us achieve our dreams. She spent countless hours reading and studying with her children and grandchildren. If she didn’t know the subject, she would learn it with you so she could help you study. She believed in you before you believed in yourself. She built you up, lifted you up, and refused to accept less than your best.
Marjorie was born in a time when Holland had horse-drawn ice wagons, and 95 years later she spent her final days listening to podcasts on her iPad. She was always a woman ahead of her time. She was a leader, a trail blazer, an example to us all. She will be greatly missed but her impact will live on forever.
She is survived by her daughter, Libby Bocks; daughter, Jessica (Buu Chau) Le; son, Nathan (Elizabeth) Bocks; grandchildren, Heather Bocks, Joshua (Dominque) Bocks, Justin Bocks, Jessica Bocks, Ashleigh Underwood, Duncan (Michelle) Bocks, Spencer Bocks, Megan Bocks; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Bocks; and sister, Maxine Miller.
Visitation with the family is from 3:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 27, 2025, also at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marjorie’s honor may be given to the Holland Education Foundation at www.hollandeducationalfoundation.org or by mail to 320 W 24th St, Holland, MI 49423.
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