Vera Doreen (Swanson) Sessions

Vera Doreen Sessions (Swanson), age 92 of Grand Rapids, went into the arms of our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with family by her side. 

Vera was born on October 9, 1932, in Grant, Michigan to the late Rudolph and Ethel Swanson. She was the oldest daughter and one of ten Swanson children. At the Fireman’s Ball held in Grant, MI, Vera met the love of her life, Mike Sessions. They married on October 12, 1950, and lived in Coopersville, MI with their 4 wonderful children. Vera, along with her husband Mike, enjoyed spending their days traveling, golfing, reading and spending as much time with their grandkids as possible. They traveled around the country in their Airstream, visiting many amazing golf courses. They found a winter home for a while in Tuscan, AZ. While home in MI they were long-time members at Gracewil Country Club and Blyfield Country Club, where they spent many of their days with a great group of friends. Vera and Mike could always be found in coordinating outfits, such as the iconic American flag shirts for the 4th of July, or the matching Purple Blazers (their favorite color). 

Vera enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Luther, MI. Spending time with family brought her so much joy. She loved playing cards and games around the kitchen table with her children and grandchildren, singing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve while dishes were being done, and spending hours of laughter with her sisters telling stories. 

Vera is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Mike Sessions; her parents, Rudolph/Ethel Swanson; Siblings and in-laws, Richard (Kay) Swanson, Marge (Roy) Bulson, Lawrence (Jody) Swanson, Mitchell Swanson, Jack Grootenhaar, Ellen (Sam) Huston, Owen (Edna) Sessions, Blaine Sessions, Frank (Dorothy) Sessions, Jerry Sessions, Lee (Sonny) Marshall, Mike Smith. 

She is survived by her loving children, Michael (Roseann) Sessions, Janice Sessions, Gregory (Julie) Sessions and Jeffrey Sessions; her grandchildren, Maggie (Ted) Cherry, Emily (Jason) DeFouw, Katie (Jacek) Bundrya, Erin (Ryan) Smith, and Gini (Doug) Brown; great-grandchildren, Julieann, Eleanor, Caroline, Garrett, Collin, Deacon, Annie, Clara, Cora, Matthew, Vincent, and Zoey; Siblings and in-laws, Doris (Dick) Damaska, Beverly Grootenhaar, Billie (Dave) Cave, Marlene (Dale) Eck, Connie (Tom) Funk, Lucy Sessions, Jean Sessions, and Pat Smith; and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitations will be held at Throop Funeral Home, 214 Church St. Coopersville, MI 49404 on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Congregational Church, 2725 4 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Condolences for the family may be left on Vera’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home 

Coopersville, 616-837-8161