Joyce Praamsma, beloved wife, mother and friend, age 82, went to be with the Lord Friday morning, March 31, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Riemer Praamsma. Mom came to retire in Holland, Michigan, where she lived with our dad, having celebrated over 50 years of marriage and 40 years of ministry. Joyce served and fellowshipped with over 8 different congregations in both Canada and America. A tireless minister of hospitality, Joyce touched the lives of hundreds with her welcoming spirit and her undiscriminating grace. A true lover-of-people, Joyce found her vocation in seeking out the marginalized and in making her parsonage a big tent for all. She is survived by 3 children and 15 grandchildren who will always remember their Oma’s trademark contagious laughter, her rigorous code of inclusion and her unflagging conviction in the healing power of coffee. We are forever thankful for her daily modeled reminders to talk with strangers, to feed the visitor and to seek out the forgotten. Her 50 year marriage to Riemer was a rare partnership to all who knew them. She was Dad’s daily confidante, his best sermon advisor, and his faithful fellow adventurer – answering ministry calls from Victoria to Nova Scotia. Their marriage dance was a gift from the Lord. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, Louis and Albie Praamsma (Riemer and Anna, Jenna, Elineke, Saskia), Stephanie and Allan Hoekstra (Abbie and Aaron, Amy, Sarah, Ellie), Dave and Joanie Praamsma (Noah, Stephanie, Ben, Maya, Gabe); sisters, Janke Visser, Griet Houtstra; sisters-in-law, Marjo VanderZwaag, Griet VanderZwaag, Eline and Peter Homan, Johanna and Gerald Van Belle, Christine and Anco Farenhorst; brothers-in-law, Bill and Rita Praamsma, Herman and Diane Praamsma; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the States, Canada, and the Netherlands. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 AM at 14th Street Christian Reformed Church, 14 W. 14th Street, Holland, with Rev. Herman Praamsma officiating.  Interment North Holland Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church. Joyce’s family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff and the residents of Resthaven and The Day Center of Evergreen for their loving care.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gull Lake Ministries.

Matthew 25:34-37

^“ Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”