Laurie A. Ivens

Thoughtful and kind, Laurie A. Ivens lived a heart-centered life, rich in family and friends. Laurie was a beautiful soul with a strong will. She met life's challenges with determination and confidence and celebrated its gifts with gratitude and delight. With tremendous care for others, Laurie always found a way to welcome others with kindness. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Laurie will long be remembered and so very missed. 1962 was a year of excitement. While cars continued to evolve as more compacts appeared and sold well, the President set a goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade. Folk music became protest music thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan. The Beach Boys, and Surfing music grew in popularity, while the Beatles recorded the single "Love Me Do." Families gathered around the TV to watch "The Beverly Hillbillies" and the first of the James Bond movies "Dr. No" was an instant success. Nowhere was there more excitement than in Vicksburg, Michigan, as Bernard and Janet (Hambright) Foster welcomed their daughter Laurie on April 19. Laurie grew up in the rural community of Vicksburg, where she attended local public schools. During her high school years, she played the clarinet in the marching band. After graduating from high school with the class of 1980, she settled into adulthood in the comforts of the small community that had always been home. In time, Laurie was blessed to have three children. Melissa, Shaina, and Josh were her greatest joys, and Laurie worked hard to provide them with a loving home. For a time, she worked as a subcontractor in Telecommunications at Upjohn Company. Then she settled in and worked for over 20 years in the same field as a technician for CTS. In her quiet time, Laurie enjoyed reading, knitting, playing dice and solitaire, and tending to her yard. She especially enjoyed landscaping and carefully bringing her ideas for her fairy garden into reality. Her favorite way to spend time was with her grandchildren. Laurie loved spending her time with Ace over these last few years. For 20 years, Laurie enjoyed a loving relationship with Roy Schoonhoven. Roy had a home on Long Lake, where Laurie enjoyed spending time every weekend. Sadly, Roy passed away in 2020, shortly before they were to marry. Though our days with Laurie were far too few, each moment was filled with love and kindness. Laurie taught by example how to live a wholehearted life filled with the simple joys of family and friends. As we mourn our loss, may we find comfort in the honor of carrying Laurie's legacy forward. With each moment we welcome a stranger with a smile, curl up with a book, tend our yard, and spend time with our loved ones, we celebrate the many ways Laurie gifted our lives. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us. Laurie A. Ivens of Vicksburg, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at the age of 59. She is survived by her three children: Melissa (Michael) Snyder, of Vicksburg; Shaina (Jamal) Collins, of Kalamazoo; and Josh Ivens, of Vicksburg; 10 grandchildren: Xzavier, Zoey, Skyler, Ace, Sandy, Chevontae, Armani, Camila, Carter, and Cassavelie. She is also survived by her father: Bernie Foster, of Portage; and two siblings: Sonda Vickery, of Kalamazoo, and Randy (Linda) Foster, of Vicksburg. She is preceded in death by her mother: Janet Foster and fiancée: Roy Schoonhoven. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 6th at 1pm, at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service at 1pm. Burial at Vicksburg Cemetery. While at www.mcccowensecord.com please take time to sign Laurie's guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the family c/o Bernie Foster. The family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.