Lillian Marian Grootegoed

January 31, 1911 - February 6, 2012

Lillian M. Grootegoed (nee: Somnitz) age 101, of Portland, OR died Feb 6, 2012 at Stella’s Adult Foster Care in Portland. Born January 31, 1911 in Cleveland to Robert C. and Mary A. (nee: Peters) Somnitz, she had lived in Mayfield prior to moving to Chardon and then Portland, OR. Lillian was an elementary school teacher retiring from Mayfield Public Schools. Lllian Somnitz married Arthur J. Grootegoed. He preceded her in death in 1994. She is survived by her daughter Janet (Donal) Pedersen of Portland, OR; sons Russell (JoAnne) Grootegoed of Huntington Beach, CA and Robert (Wilma) Grootegoed of Chardon; 11 Grandchildren and 11 Great-grandchildren. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

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Your Legacy lives on through your family and the many memories you created.On March 31, 2012 at St. Mary's by the Sea 5:30 mass is said in Grandma Lillian's honor. The family will gather afterwards at my house to pray the rosary and celebrate your life with lots of SINGING!

I hope all is well with the family. Can't make it tomorrow morning. What a long life she had.Leshia

Dear Bobbie, Janet and Russell - you have lost a wonderful mother - the world has lost a beautiful lady. I can't begin to tell you how many people, when they hear the name Grootegoed, stop to ask if we are related to the teacher from Millridge. She certainly impressed a lot of young folks' lives. I can remember Lil and Uncle Art doing what they loved best - entertaining whenever asked. I am sure you all are very proud of her and the legacy she left behind. We are in Florida and can't make mass but send you all our love and plesant remories of days gone by. Sincerely, Jake and Mary

Janet, Russell, and Robert,Sorry to read about the loss of your Mother. I was a student of your Mother's back in 1962 at Millridge. My family had moved into Highland Hts. in late December, 1961, and I started going to Millridge in Jan. 1962. Being the "new kid in class," I was naturally scared and shy. Luckily for me your Mother really helped me out and made me feel welcome. Mrs. Grootegod could be tough, but she was fair. I learned a lot from her. Your Mother was a great teacher.May she Rest in Peace. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.Randy Prusa

Just found out today about your loss. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack

Russell, Joanne, and Bob:Mrs. G has been on my mind for many weeks. On a fluke, this sleepless night, I just decided to google her name. And then this news. When you have a friend who is 101 this is to be expected. But it still stings. Wishing you all wonderful memories. I know that I have a bunch. There are still things I remember from third grade. Multiplication tables (painful!) , the piano playing Turkey in the Straw, square dancing, making papier mache masks. Really.Love to you all,Frances Josephson Pursell and Dick, Lisa, Monika, and Nicole too