Margie May (Tappen) Duiven, age 89 of Cascade, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 on the Winter Solstice, a poignant reminder of the eternal cycle of darkness to light. After living with Alzheimer’s Dementia, passing on this day holds profound significance; a transition, not an end, but a transformation into a new reality.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Zoe Tappen; her in-laws, Lou and Harriet Duiven; brothers-in-law, John (Sue) Duiven and Roger (Lynne) Duiven.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Don Duiven; children, Darcy (Joe) Beavan, Marnie (Scott) TenCate and Brett (Molly) Duiven; grandchildren, Greg (Lisa), Joey, Carson, Collin, and Elia Beavan, Max and Maddie TenCate, and Miles and Claudia Duiven; great grandchildren Jack and Alice Beavan; sister-in-law, Marge Birch, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Margie earned her master’s degree in counseling from Michigan State University. She touched lives as a teacher, and a drama coach at Ottawa Hills High School, as a dance teacher at the Academy of Dance Arts(with Ed and Rich) leading interpretive dance at Cascade Christian Church, as a counselor at Rockford High School, and through the foreign exchange student placement program.
She enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army and spending winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she loved walking the beach and collecting shells.
A private family celebration of life will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1215 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
5 Responses
Rest in peace dear friend as memories of shared good times bring a smile to all who loved you. Cheers to fun times floating on the river with Don and you… the culinary delights of our winter progressive dinner group… attending GRBroadway Musicals where your eyes were the brightest as your fingers snapped and hips swayed, girlfriends get-a-ways at Timber lake Campground and Barothy Lodge!
Wonderful remembrances of shared times with you and Don.
Though we came to our friendship in our later years, I was always delighted by your kindness of spirit, your joy in life, your love of Don and your family and your connection to the beauty of the natural world. Peace be yours.
I have such fond memories of time spent with Margie from our circle of women friends to Barothy and river rides on the pontoon boat with our captain, Don. Margie was so warm, thoughtful, generous and kind. There were always big hugs when we saw each other. I feel blessed to have known her and send my love to Don and her wonderful family.
Margie was my 7th grade home room teacher at Ottawa Hills. She was such a nice lady. I remember some personal talks she had with me about some company I was keeping and directed me on good straight and narrow path. A lot of that sticks with me today. I can truthfully say she was my favorite all time teacher. May you rest in peace.
My condolences to her family and so sorry to hear of her passing. She was one of my grade school teachers and she helped me overcome a mild stutter. Her advice was simple and she told me my mind was moving more quickly than I could speak and I needed to slow down. Cured my stuttering, and I was forever grateful for her advice.