In Loving Memory of Rosemary Catherine Niceswander

June 18, 1940 – October 26, 2026

Rosemary Catherine Shoup-VanDyk-Niceswander, age 86, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on October 26, 2026.

Rose was born on June 18, 1940, to Percy M. Shoup and Maude E. Shoup. She graduated from Central High School as a proud member of the Class of 1959. Throughout her career, Rose dedicated herself to caring for others through her work in several local nursing homes. She also worked alongside her father at Harding's Family Market, retiring from her last workplace at Harding's in 1990.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Rose will be remembered fondly by her family and everyone who was blessed to know her along her journey. She cherished spending time with her loved ones, whether visiting over a warm cup of coffee, playing dice and cards, or adding to her collection of musical water globes. One of her favorite routines was going out for breakfast at her beloved Cooper Café, where she always enjoyed a pancake topped with strawberries, extra strawberry syrup, and whipped cream. Christmas was Rose’s favorite holiday, and she delighted in baking cookies, driving around to look at Christmas lights, and hosting Christmas dinner to bring her entire family together.

Rose is survived by her loving husband of almost 39 years, Jack Niceswander (married October 30, 1987); her sons, Bill (Sharon) VanDyk, Dan (Florence) VanDyk, and Ken (Patty) VanDyk; her brother, Donald E. Shoup; her sister-in-law, Barbara Shoup; as well as many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Percy M. Shoup; her mother, Maude E. Shoup; her father-in-law, Eugene L. Niceswander; her mother-in-law, Danette L. Niceswander; her brothers, Arthur Shoup, Fred Shoup, and Baby Boy Shoup; her sister-in-law, Ruth Anne (Vorva) Shoup; and her grandson, Paul Arnett.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the funeral home in Plainwell. A short committal service will follow at 12:00 PM at Hillside Cemetery.

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

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).