Virginia Betty Mensink's Obituary
Virginia Betty VanderMolen Mensink (Ginny) passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024. Roger Eugene Mensink, her best friend and husband of more than 55 years, predeceased her in 2003.
Virginia, the daughter of Barney and Betty VanderMolen, was born on January 20, 1928. She graduated as salutatorian from Grand Haven High School, and from the Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing, where she trained as a proud member of the Cadet Nurse Corps. Her professional nursing career, primarily in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Wichita, Kansas and Seattle, Washington, spanned many decades until her return to Grand Haven, Michigan. But first and foremost, she was always a nurse.
Virginia was very involved in her community, volunteering as PTA President, church organist, food bank worker, leader of Moms Morning Out and PrimeTimers at Second Reformed Church, and leader of the Liberty Woods Housing Association Board of Directors. Virginia will be especially remembered for her strong faith, her smile, her love of music, gardening, traveling and entertaining her family and friends.
Surviving family members who mourn her passing and cherish their memories of her include two daughters, Lynne Slager (Gary Kelley), and Gayle Szmurlo (Chuck); two brothers Wilford Vandermolen (Jeanetta), and David Vandermolen; five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was very proud of all her family members and kept track of their education and accomplishments, and their far-flung travels.
Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christian Haven Home in Grand Haven, where she spent the last half year of her life, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
