Laura Jean Van Belkum (Froese) age 56 of Byron Center, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Laura will lovingly be remembered by her husband of 35 years, Joseph E Van Belkum, and by her siblings; Thomas (Mary) Froese, Corona, NM - Connie (John) Van Belkum, Caledonia, MI - Cynthia (Stephen) Wells, Grandville, MI - Barbara (David) Gillman, Lowell, MI, along with many nieces and nephews.

Laura was a very creative, warm and compassionate person. Her determination and positive attitude helped her overcome her many health challenges. Spending time with family was very important to Laura. She also enjoyed spending time at home with her two cats, Gizmo and Gidget.

Laura enjoyed many different types of activities. Some of her favorite activities were doing various types of craft projects, sewing, making Christmas gifts for family and friends, and crocheting baby blankets for the new additions to the family. Laura also enjoyed baking pies and making cakes for all occasions. Laura was also proud of her flower gardens. She enjoyed the spring flowers the most. She loved to see her crocus's, daffodils, and tulips come up year after year.

Laura's favorite place to spend time was Higgins Lake. Higgins was a very special place for her. She always looked forward to the annual family camping trip at Higgins every summer. She loved spending time relaxing with her husband Joe at their cottage near Higgins Lake. She enjoyed all the animals at the cottage, especially the birds and the deer. She also enjoyed water-skiing on the lake and teaching people how to water-ski. Another favorite Higgins Lake activity for Laura was driving the boat. She always looked for the opportunity to give the boat the gas and see what it could do.

Laura had one other place that was very special to her and that was Hawaii. Every 5-year anniversary would mean another trip to Maui. She loved watching the whales, seeing double rainbows, and taking long walks along the water front.

A celebration of Laura's life will be held at a future date, hopefully this summer.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Laura's name please consider the Ausable Valley Animal Shelter in Grayling, Michigan.