We celebrate the life and grieve the death of Miriam Jane Cooke Schaafsma, 94. In life, death and beyond she belongs to her faithful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Miriam died peacefully in Grand Rapids on February 3, 2022. She was born on September 13, 1927 in Detroit, the first child of Edward G. and Helen Vredeveld Cooke. Her brothers, Edward Jr. and David predeceased her. They grew up in Detroit, and she graduated from the Grosse Pointe Christian Day School, Southeastern High, Calvin College, and Wayne State University. In 1948, she married Sybrant J. Schaafsma (d. 1999). They had 4 children, Mary Helen (d. 2018), Timothy Sybrant (Krista Vermeulen), Jane Elizabeth, and James Edward (Nancy VanderKuyl), and lived in the Grosse Pointes for more than 40 years. After rearing their children, Miriam taught kindergarten in the Detroit Public Schools for 20 years. After leaving the Detroit area in 1995, she lived in Montague and Grand Rapids. She loved her God, family, friends, and world. She had a quick and curious mind, was determined, and had strong convictions. Her passions included education, current affairs, family history, the arts, crossword puzzles, parties, travel, and equal opportunity and justice for all. She was an active member of her churches (1st CRC of Detroit, Bethany CRC Muskegon, and Woodlawn CRC Grand Rapids) and communities. Among her many activities was service to educational organizations, including membership on the Calvin University Board of Trustees and AAUW, and to arts organizations, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Muskegon Museum of Art, and the Arts Council of White Lake. She is survived by 5 grandchildren: Allison Thompson (Christopher), Rebecca Dozeman (Jason), Elizabeth Ryder (Justin), Lydia Schaafsma, and Josiah Schaafsma, and 7 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 13 at Woodlawn CRC Ministry Center (3190 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids 49546) with Rev. Mike Abma officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:00 am and a luncheon will follow the service. Memorial gifts can be made to Rehoboth Christian School or World Renew.