Cindy Jo Bruursema Putnam, 66, of Overisel, Michigan championed a seven-year-long battle with Alzheimer’s and on August 11, 2022, at 12:20 a.m. was made fully whole, embraced in the arms and presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Cindy Jo was born on June 1, 1956, to Norman and Bonnie Lou VanDam Bruursema at Zeeland Community Hospital. She was nurtured and raised on the North side of Holland as well as baptized and catechized at Fellowship Reformed Church, Holland, MI. She attended kindergarten through third grade at Lakewood Elementary; fourth & fifth grade at Waukazoo Elementary, and West Ottawa Middle School before graduating, with honors, at West Ottawa High School. As a scholar, she finished third in her senior class as a W.O. Panther. Little Cindy Jo was a vibrant child who adored baking with her mom and maternal grandmother Van Dam. Her love for music was weaved throughout her life in the church and school choirs and even took guitar lessons and played, in the audience of one, concert.
At sixteen, she met John Putnam. They courted through high school, and two months after graduation, they were married and expecting their first bundle of joy, Amy. After adding Angela & Michael to the Putnam nest, Cindy’s love for children compelled her to start a home childcare center. It flourished for over 10 years. With little fanfare but much surprise, John & Cindy would finish their brood by bringing Katie into the world.
Cindy excelled at math and started work at Ottawa Savings and Loan, where she would enjoy a full and advancing second career in the banking industry for over three decades. During that time and because of acquisitions, O.S.L. became Old Kent, which became Fifth Third Bank from which she retired. From teller to the customer service rep, executive to the bank president, and ultimately a bank officer dealing in trusts, Cindy’s career cared for the affairs of thousands of people.
Family was paramount to Cindy, which was evident by the hundreds of hours she spent at athletic games & girl scout meetings, baking, annual trips to Michigan Adventure (also known as Deer Park), and the intentional, mandatory, detailed celebratory holidays observed throughout the year.
Community commitment was also a trademark of Mrs. Putnam. From the United way to Habitat for Humanity, from Maple Avenue to Freedom Village, she gave her time robustly and lavishly. Cindy and the family joined Maple Avenue Ministries, where she directed the children’s church, sang in the choir, was an elder on consistory, and was the church treasurer.
Cindy Jo was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Henry and Angeline VanDam and maternal grandparents Lambert and Katherine Bruursema. She leaves to catapult her legacy, her parents Bonnie & Norm Bruursema of Holland, MI; husband John; four children, Amy Putnam Wilson of Zeeland, MI, Angela Putnam Mayhew (Patrick) of Dansville, MI, Michael Putnam (Sara Wood) of Holland, MI, & Katie Putnam Lopez (Ray) of Hamilton, MI. Twelve grandchildren Kyera, Marcus & Jamonte Wilson, BJ Walker, Jayden, Elliana & Mariah Mayhew, Myleigh, Kyson, & Trace Lopez, & Eliora & Calidora Putnam. One great-grandson, Zayvien Ramiez. One sister Laurie Bruursema Brandson (David) of Jenison MI. One brother Jamie Bruursema (Pam Leslie) of Fennville, MI, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness. We will miss her greatly.
Join family & friends on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel from 5:00-8:00 pm. A Service of remembrance and celebration will be held Saturday, August 13th, at 1:00 p.m., at Maple Avenue Ministries, 427 Maple Avenue Holland, MI. Cindy will be laid to rest in Overisel Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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