Vander Heide, Nancy

VANDER HEIDE - Nancy Vander Heide, age 92, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony and sister, Catherine Jabaay. She is survived by her children, Tony (Gail) Vander Heide, Tim (Ruth) Vander Heide, Kathy (Bernie) Smith; grandchildren, Tim Vander Heide, Matt Vander Heide, Steve Vander Heide (Megan), Caitlin Vander Heide, Sean (Rachelle) O’Dell, Chantelle O’Dell (Keith), Trey (Angela) Smith, Kelly (Todd) Shomin, Alicia (Jordan) Smith-Hudson; great-grandchildren, Kyla, Dylan, Isaac, Kendra, Maddie, Brayden, Kade, Isaac, Josie; and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was a long-time member of Grace Christian Reformed Church. She taught 27 years at Oakdale Christian School helping countless children experience the joy of learning and causing many to say she was “the greatest teacher” they ever had.  She was a true artist, keeping her hands busy all her life doing needlework and in later years making pine needle baskets. Funeral services will be held 2 pm Monday at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 100 Buckley SE, Grand Rapids with Rev. Roger VanHarn officiating. Interment Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo SE, Kentwood on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Christian Reformed Church or Grand Rapids Christian Schools.