Jessica Kuizema

Jessica DeBoer Kuizema passed into glory Wednesday, October 20, at the age of 94. Along with her husband of 72 years, Harold, she had been living in the DeVos assisted living wing of the Holland Home.

Conceived in Franaker, Friesland, the Netherlands, Jessica came across the Atlantic in utero and was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 6, 1927 to John and Dora DeBoer, the third of six daughters.

Jessica was a vivid example of a person who lived “not only for her own interests but also the interests of others”. She was diligent, hard-working, curious and always on the side of becoming a more skilled, competent and caring person. When she asked someone, “And, how are you doing?” she really wanted to know. She befriended many and by many she will be missed.

At the age of 17 Jessica began nursing school at Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing as part of the World War II Army Cadet Nursing Program. She was on the faculty of Butterworth Hospital’s School of Nursing as a clinical and classroom nursing instructor. In that role she befriended, encouraged and mentored many nurses who went on to serve in various roles.

Jessica advocated for the marginalized in the West Michigan area. With Harold and her daughter, Diane, Jessica was an active member of Christians Concerned for Mental Health. She also welcomed students at Calvin College from around the world and her home was often a lodging place for those needing a home away from home. Jessica loved music and had a song for every occasion. She took delight in the musical pursuits of her daughters and seldom missed a concert or venue when one of them would be performing.

During the second half of her life, especially in retirement, Jessica and Harold traveled extensively visiting 40 different countries and all 50 states. She loved these various experiences but was especially intrigued by the variety of people that they met along the way.

Besides her husband, Harold, Jessica leaves four daughters – Diane (Mark) DeHaan, Ellen (Norm) Thomasma, Carole (Albert) Valk and Joan (Kock seng) Chee. She also leaves 6 grand children and 7 great grand-children. Of Jessica’s sisters three are pre-deceased, Anne Deckard, Julia Veltman, and Clara Housekamp. She has two surviving sisters, Irene Kwantes and Dorothy Zylstra Sheler as well as a sister-in-law, Jeanne Kuizema (Don) Rypma.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday 2-5pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Avenue. The funeral service will be conducted at the Holland Home Chapel on Monday, October 25, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church.