Hazel Greta Wiersema, 89, died on November 14, 2023, in Holland, Michigan.
From her birth on October 2, 1934, in Hudsonville, Michigan, to her death, Hazel brought light, joy, and love to those around her. The youngest child of Dick H. and Emma (Van Noord) Vande Bunte’s four children, Hazel grew up in Holland, Michigan and graduated from Holland High School. She attended Hope College, also in Holland, before completing her nursing studies in Chicago, Illinois at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital (now known as Rush University Medical Center). As a Registered Nurse Hazel skillfully balanced the professional demands of being an RN with her joy of making a home and raising four children with her husband, Leon (Lee) Conrad Wiersema of 51 years. In retirement, Hazel and Lee chose to move from their family home in Naperville, IL back to Holland where they enjoyed several years in the Freedom Village community.
Hazel is preceded in death by her husband Lee, her sisters, Marian Vande Bunte and Vera (Vande Bunte) Hintz, and her brother Lewis Vande Bunte.
Hazel is survived by her eldest son, Brian Wiersema (Anne Lamoureux), son, Steven (Jane Henderson) Wiersema); son, Van Alan Wiersema; and daughter, Janet (Wiersema) Brunner (Steven Brunner). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kellie, Michelle, Noah, Mitchell, Joshua, Ethan, and Jackson.
Family was everything to Hazel. She took great pride in her children and her grandchildren. Hazel was grateful for the beauty, grace, and happiness in her life and those who knew her were grateful for the love (and chocolate) she brought to theirs. She will be greatly missed, but memories of her will remain in our hearts forever.
Donations in Hazel’s memory may be made to Little Friends, Inc., ( https://www.littlefriendsinc.org/support/donate/ ) an organization dedicated to clients with special needs. Hazel not only helped to found Little Friends, but she also served as one of its early presidents.
Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.yntemafh.com.
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