Lucille Van Wyk

Lucille Van Wyk, age 94, of Jenison, slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 16, 2015. She was a long time member of Twelfth Avenue Christian Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. Van Wyk. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Joan (Robert) Folkema, Rosemary (Jim) Ross, Tim (Suzanne) Van Wyk; grandchildren, Chad (Michele) Folkema, Holly (Jeremy) Andrews, Sari Ross, Brendan (Stacey) Ross, Jordan (Christee) Van Wyk, Corey Van Wyk, Alexa Van Wyk, Alaia Van Wyk; 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gerri Thornell; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday 11:00 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW with Rev. Mark Bennink and Rev. Jim Evenhouse officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Bethany Christian Services or Right to Life of Michigan.

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April 21, 2015

My family and I extend our condolences to the family of my “Aunt Lucille.” She was a special lady. None of us are able to attend the services today, but I wanted to share a reminiscence of this wonderful woman. When I was about 8 years old, I learned how to make pot holders by weaving loops of material on a metal square with hooks. For Christmas, I made a potholder for each of my aunts. At the time I did not realize that the Aunt whom I called by Aunty and the last syllable of her first name was actually named “Lucille.” On the card with her wrapped pot holder, I wrote “For Aunty Seal.” When I handed out the presents, everyone laughed and I felt humiliated that no one had pointed out my error so that I could have corrected it. Aunt Lucille smiled at me, thanked me, and told me that she really liked being “Aunty Seal.” I have always remembered how special she made me feel that day. With love and prayers from Jerrie (Frank) Fiala; my sisters and their families: Pam (Russ) Johnson, and Dee (Ken Rodriguez) Thornell; and our mother , Geri Thornell.

- Jerrie Fiala