Mrs. Jean L. VanderVelde's Obituary
Mrs. Jean L. VanderVelde, age 81, passed away Sunday evening, March 5, 2017 at her home. She was born September 3, 1935 to Lionel and Dorothy (Ouwerkerk) Leafers in Muskegon, and was a lifelong resident. Jean was a member of the Lakes Community Church of the Nazarene and years ago had worked at Etterman’s grocery store in Lakeside. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. On April 17, 1954 Jean married Theodore J. VanderVelde, who preceded her in death on July 22, 2009. She is survived by 4 children, Janet A. Nelson, Kristi L. VanderVelde, Theodore J. VanderVelde, Ann E. (Kevin) Rought; 8 grandchildren, Mary, Sarah, John, Mallory, Amelia, Robert, Kyle and Kathryn; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Steve (Brenda) Leafers; and her dog Mitzie. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son Gregory A. VanderVelde; a sister Nancy (Leafers) Guess; and her beloved dog Skipper. A memorial service for Mrs. VanderVelde will be held at 11am on March 14, 2017 at the Lakes Community Church of the Nazarene, 2270 S. Mill Iron Rd., Muskegon, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Contributions in memory of Mrs. VanderVelde may be made to the American Red Cross. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210.
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