STANWOOD, Mich. — A Grand Rapids family is grieving after a Mother’s Day crash claimed the life of a woman they said was the heart of their family.

Colleen Ligtvoet raised her daughters on the west side of Grand Rapids. As a single mother, she was always present, never missing an event, helping with schoolwork and staying involved in every part of their lives.

Her daughters said the example she set continues to guide them today, even as mothers themselves.

"Even now, with being moms of our own, we’re still learning from what she taught us," said one of her daughters, Shannon Kivinen.

They described her as someone who gave her all, not only to her children, but also to her grandchildren. She understood that each child needed something different and parented each of them uniquely.

Her l

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