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Alicia Loraine Haven
March 8, 1987 – February 12, 2021
On February 12th at 3:08am (the date of her birth) the Lord wrapped his loving arms around our earthly angel Alicia and took her home. Alicia lived every moment of her life devoted to her faith. She proudly had the word faith tattooed on her arm, believed in the power of prayer, and daily read scripture to guide her life. Alicia’s journey on this earth lasted only 33 short years, the same as her Savior Jesus. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Charles and Kathleen Haven mourn the loss of their precious daughter. From birth Alicia was the focus of her father’s light. They were two souls connected in life to get the best out of each other. Alicia was the baby of the family and will be dearly missed by her four siblings and their children: Joan (Kevin) McNamara and Maureen and Lauren; Brian (Mary) Haven and Brian Michael and Jessica; Heather Brown VanderMolen and Max, Morgan, and Mel; Jeffrey (Molly) Brown and Newton, Edison, and Monroe; three aunts and three uncles and many cousins. She leaves behind her precious ragdoll kitten, Nala, who has finally joined her recently deceased grandmother’s ragdoll, Simba. Alicia considered so many of the people in her life to be her family.
After graduating from East Kentwood High School, Alicia attended Grand Valley State University. She graduated with an Elementary Education degree with a Mathematics major. It was her smile, energetic personality, and attention to detail that caught the attention of management at Vibration Research. In 2011, Alicia joined the VR family as their Shipping Administrator. Alicia felt blessed to have a job that she looked forward to going to every single day. Management shared that “Alicia was a cheerful voice every morning. She was an enthusiastic promoter ensuring we felt great about our successes. She loved to feed the office, contributed and planned many Friday company lunches. No holiday was ever missed, no event uncelebrated. She was comfortable in life and confident in God’s plan for her.”
Alicia lived every moment of her life with optimism and determination. She was driven with a competitive spirit that rivaled few. Alicia was a 10 year FAP colon cancer survivor, who was kicking cancer’s butt. She was triumphing over ongoing anxiety, depression, and addictions. She never let her health issues and internal struggles interfere with the hobbies and activities she found joy in. She loved cooking and baking, especially for others. Her love of the lake – kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and swimming – made her face light with happiness. She had become a master gardener and had her new condo decorated like pages from a magazine.
Alicia had an incredible passion for running, and left an unparalleled positive impact on countless lives in the running community. She showed an amazing commitment to training, being dedicated and goal-driven all year round. Her dedication led to the completion of numerous half marathons and 25Ks, as well as finishing her first official full marathon in fall 2019, and multi-day events like The Fred Running Relay and American Cancer Society Strides for Life. Her races didn’t stop at the finish lines, though, as Alicia was the first to go back out and run others in – adding several extra miles, each of which she would run with a smile. Plus, despite being goal-driven, she was always willing to compromise her own training in order to run with someone that needed an extra push and words of encouragement. A few of her phrases that were often said include, “Water stop to water stop”, and, “One foot in front of the other”. Another of her key phrases was, “If they think your dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do”. She exuded that in her own life as she was not just a runner but a triathlete as well. Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons stand among her many athletic achievements, and she was set to complete her first Half Iron Man this fall. But her list of athletic achievements extends far beyond the medals hanging on her wall, as it will include the future accomplishments of the lives she has touched and goals she has encouraged us to reach for. Alicia, you are still our mentor in our miles, and though we cannot see you, you will always be by our side, smiling every mile.
Alicia was beautiful inside and out. With love and grace she lived and will live on in our hearts forever. A lighthouse – a beacon of light, a tower of strength in the tumultuous storms in life, and a safe HAVEN.
Memorial contributions in honor of Alicia may be made to:
Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids – https://gildasclubgr.org/
Pine Rest IOP –
https://www.pinerest.org/addiction/intensive-outpatient-services/
My Team Triumph – https://mttwestmichigan.org/
Cancer Research at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. Checks made out to:
HDVCH PORT
Attn: Colleen Thompson
100 Michigan Ave NE
M/C 247
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Alicia’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.
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I am very sorry to hear about the death of my cousin. Praying for the rest of the family.
Such a shock to hear about my niece Alicia. Sweet, loving individual. I have such fun pictures of her playing at my house, nice birthday parties that her Mom Paula had for family, and other fond memories She should have not died so young. Tears along with my prayers. Love you Alicia!!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts for the family. Sincerely Ed Haven
Haven Family & Friends,
Me deepest sympathy in the loss of Alicia. A life taken way to soon. I will miss my friend so very much. She was an angel on this earth and now in Heaven. Know that she was very special to so many people.
May God wrap His arms around you giving you strength and peace for the days ahead.
God’s speed Alicia.
Pam
Alicia was the daughter I never had. I will miss her daily and will remember the many days of laughter and joy she gave me, as well as so many others. No words can express how I feel about the loss of my dear niece. Prayers to all.
Please do correct the spelling of her middle name: Lorraine.
What a beautiful and caring person you were. It was always a pleasure so see you at the marina, and oh boy could you make a good cake!!! I will miss you! 😔
What a sweet girl who will be deeply missed.
We were deeply saddened to learn from Seth of Alicia’s passing. She was an angel, and she has now joined a choir of angels in her eternal home with Jesus. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. And may Peace be with you…
So very sorry for the loss of such a bright young lady. She was a ray of sunshine, always seemed to be smiling, even through all the trials life threw at her. Alicia was a blessing, especially to my grandma Lemasters, they had a special bond. I’m sure they had a joyful heavenly reunion. Prayers go out to Chuck and the whole family in these tough times.
You were 13 when we first met and I absolutely fell in love with you! You are amazing, beautiful and oh so loved! We have had a lot of good times I just wish we were able to make more! I also wish you knew how fucking excited I was EVERY time i seen you! Love you little sister…yesterday…today…always!
Until we meet again!
Lots of prayers going out to Chuck, Kathy and all of the Haven and Knapp families. Alicia’s memory will live on forever. She was a beautiful young woman. May she Rest In Peace with the Lord. With heart felt deepest sympathy, Mike and Colleen Sellers
Our deepest condolences to you, Chuck and Kathy, and to all Alicia’s family and friends.
I’m sorry to not have known Alicia in her life, but am moved with gratitude by this tribute to her now.
May the peace and hope of Christ be yours as you mourn this great loss.
I remember the first time I met Alicia. She made an Ender cake from Minecraft for Max’s birthday. The cake was just as amazing as she was. Every time I have seen her she has smiled inside and out. She was the first person to guide me around my campus and she gave me some tips for my new adult life. Her words of wisdom were and still are so appreciated. I am glad that I had the privilege to meet her, she truly was a kind hearted soul. My heart goes out for her family and loved ones ❤️.
I would also like to mention that when Alicia went to Grand Valley, she told me of her times on student senate, an organization responsible for things that happen around campus. She told me how she fought to have one of the school buses stay out past 2am so that college kids who drink could have reliable transportation. And there is a bus that stays out that late on the weekends still to this day.
What a terrible loss. Our hearts are aching for you and we will miss her so much.
Sorry for your loss
Alicia was everything to everyone she encountered. There wasn’t a person she met who didn’t leave the meeting smiling. She intrinsically knew how to make those around her better. She touched my heart so deeply, and I will forever be missing her. We send our deepest sympathies to her family and thank them for raising such an irreplaceable human being.
Earth’s ANGEL is now heaven’s Angel😇. You will be dearly missed by all your friends at myTEAM TRIUMPH❤️❤️❤️
Alicia left such a positive impression on everyone that was lucky enough to meet her and know her. I met her briefly, just a couple of times, but long enough to feel her warmth and the genuine caring she exuded for others. Sending healing prayers to Alicia’s family.
Alicia was a joy and such a beautiful soul. She would attend our women’s rides and always loved to lead the pack. We will miss her spunk and conversation. Prayers to all who she loved.
Chuck and Kathy I am so sorry. There just are no words. But I know Jack will be right there with the biggest hug ever!!! Life doesn’t always seem fair, it’s so hard to understand, but know that I care so very much❤️
Very sad news to hear. She is now in Heaven with her mother and living a life of peace.
Chuck and Kathy. We are so sorry to hear about Alicia’s passing. Please know we are holding close to our hearts in prayer.
So sad to hear of Alicia’s passing. Always a burst of energy when I’d see her. Definitely will miss her. Rest In Peace.
John & Tammy Theisen
Every time I saw Alicia, she was always wearing her big gorgeous smile! I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Alicia really was a beautiful soul. Rest in Peace.
Bill and Barb Luyk
Alicia’s bright smile and loving heart will be missed by us all. May God comfort all of you in this time. May her memory be eternal.
Truly a great person, she brought so much energy to a room when she entered! She represented the Polish Community with great pride. She will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace!
God Bless you good and faithful servant. You will be missed.
She will be truly be missed by all the friends she made and helped with training through all of the events. Am happy I got to know her and run with her on The Fred relay.
As sales reps for Vibration Research we were blessed to work with Alicia. She was excellent in supporting us.
We were so deeply saddened and shocked at the news of her passing.
From the entire team at Stress Analysis Services our sincere condolences to the Haven family and to the Vibration Research family.
God bless.
Sincerely,
John Guy
Chuck and Kathy, I am sorry for your loss. She will be missed by everyone. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
I met Alicia in 2013 when I joined the Gazelle Sports run group and she welcomed me with open arms and we became fast friends and shared many miles and memories over the next few years. Alicia was so welcoming and encouraging to all runners, whether it be at the run group or cheering people on at local races. She will be greatly missed by the running community. I am glad I met her since she was such a positive influence. My deepest condolences to her family.
Rest In Peace Alicia, you will be missed by many.