Great Lakes Christian Homes Stories

At Great Lakes Christian Homes, four longtime residents share a colorful bond—one marked by big shoes, red noses, and a love of laughter. Diane (“Tookels”), Mary (“Beepers”), Merrilee (“Bubbles”), and Judy (“Teezer”) spent decades as professional clowns, bringing joy to children, families, and communities. Now retired from performing, they continue to brighten the lives of their neighbors with the same warmth, humor, and kindness that defined their clowning careers.

A Different Path to Laughter

Each woman discovered clowning in her own way. Diane first stepped into the world of makeup and oversized shoes during a challenging time, enrolling in a Michigan State clown class to “be someone else”—and found happiness that lasted 27 years. Mary started small, performing skits at the school where she worked, later joining a “clown alley” with her husband and honing her craft through formal training. Merrilee’s journey began at an RV resort in Brownsville, Texas, when a local clown class piqued her curiosity. Judy was inspired when her next-door neighbor became a clown. Seeing how much joy it brought him made her want to try it too—but it was the children’s laughter that kept her coming back.

Spreading Joy, One Smile at a Time

Their performances spanned communities near and far. Diane entertained preschool classes, children’s birthday parties, senior centers, and local festivals. Mary especially loved hospital visits and special events, including a prom for terminally ill children and the White House Easter Egg Roll. Merrilee delighted audiences at schools, parties, church programs, and neighborhood celebrations. Judy was a parade regular in Lansing and Detroit, spreading smiles through face painting, puppet antics, and playful jokes.

Moments That Last a Lifetime

What they loved most was simple: joy. Diane cherished the happiness she felt making others happy. Mary embraced becoming someone new while comforting others. Merrilee felt her heart lift with every smile. Judy adored the laughter, curiosity, and delight on children’s faces.

Their favorite memories capture the heart of clowning: Diane recalls a preschool class that sent 30 handwritten thank-you notes after she performed and gave each child a noisy toy chicken. Mary treasures a young girl from a terminally ill prom who returned to dance on her shoes the following year. Merrilee fondly remembers running through church pews to introduce a new pastor in full clown regalia, and Judy smiles thinking back on waving to thousands of parade-goers.

The Spirit Lives On

Even in retirement, the joy continues. Diane and Mary share playful quips that turn serious conversations into laughter. Merrilee greets everyone warmly, offering peace and kindness. Judy spreads positivity through her smile, laughter, and presence. Costumes and makeup are gone, but the heart of clowning—compassion, joy, and connection—remains.

Joy in Every Day

Diane, Mary, Merrilee, and Judy reflect the heart of Great Lakes Christian Homes—a faith-based community dedicated to serving others with love. They spent decades bringing laughter and comfort to children, families, and those in need—and today, they continue to share that same encouragement with every neighbor they meet. Back then, they wore red noses and big shoes. Today, joy begins with a simple smile, carrying warmth and kindness to everyone around them. Proverbs 15:30 reminds us that a cheerful heart brings joy to those around us, and that’s exactly what they strive to do every day.