BLISSFIELD – Hope M. J. (Hanson) Venema, age 90 of Blissfield, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at her daughter’s home.
She was born at home in Wakefield, Michigan, September 3, 1925 to Albert and Olga (Thompson) Hanson.
Hope earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from Michigan State University, and started her career in teaching in Niles, Michigan. After moving to Blissfield and starting a family, Hope was a substitute teacher for many years.
On June 25, 1949, Hope married Jacob Venema, and he preceded her in death in 1979, having shared 30 wonderful years together.
Hope was a 72 year member of the Tecumseh Order of the Eastern Star. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, served as a 4H leader and a Campfire Girls leader. She kept busy with knitting and crocheting and was a talented seamstress. She loved music and dancing. Hope also devoted time to her beautiful rose garden. As a member of the Hitch Up and Go camping club, Hope and Jacob enjoyed many camping adventures.
She is survived by two daughters, Christine Venema of North Branch and Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Kafer of Palmyra; a brother, Carl Hanson of Jamestown, NY; grandchildren, Temira, Elijah, Natasha and Matthew and a great-granddaughter, Makayla.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Alvin and Arnold Hanson and a sister, Faith Laurila.
Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2016 at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield, with Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Private burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, Michigan. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Hope may be made to Lenawee Humane Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.