Helen (Haaksma) Leep

Helen (Haaksma) Leep, 84, of Martin, passed away with family by her side on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Helen was born on October 19, 1940, to Andrew & Ann (Koen) Haaksma. For 37 years, Helen was a manager at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell. She embraced the joy found in gardening and their time in Florida. However, her first love was spending time with her grandchildren. This was evident by anyone who knew her.

Helen grew up in Byron Center and her first job was at Pine Rest in Cutlerville. It was there that she met Jim. They were set up on a blind date. They were married on February 10, 1961.

After they were married, they lived in Byron Center. After three years they moved to Martin, MI where they raised their three daughters: Deborah, Doreen and Delora.

Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; daughters Deborah (James) Moody, Doreen (Doug) Hilton, Delora (Vaughn) Mills, and her special boy Chad; her siblings: Reynold, Itwin, Andy, Ted, Ben, Freda, Betty; ten grandchildren as well as ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings Freda Ann, Elmer, John and Gerrit.

Visit with family and friends on Tuesday, April 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St., Plainwell, MI 49080. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Memorial donations can be made to Park Village Pines or Centrica Care Hospice.

While visiting Helen's webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.