Cora Visscher, age 85, of Holland, unexpectedly passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital from complications following surgery. She loved, and was tremendously loved by, her family, friends, and the many people she touched through her lifelong work in child advocacy and community building.
Cora was born in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania to Herbert and Margaret Kaepernik and moved to Holland, Michigan as a young girl where she started her enjoyment of participating in almost everything. She was involved in track and field, played the cello, joined the choir, and was a majorette in the Holland High School band. As an adult, she continued to enjoy her love of music in directing the cherub and junior choirs for the First United Methodist church where she was a lifelong member.
Her community work included serving as chair of the City of Holland Planning Commission, establishing the Children’s Resource Network, and founding the Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County. Cora’s accomplishments were recognized with a Liberty Bell Award from the Ottawa County Bar Association and the Dr. Ray Helfer Award from the Michigan Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. She received commendations for her service in children’s advocacy from Governors James Blanchard, John Engler, and William Milliken.
Cora was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 2022, and her sisters, Helen Parker and Elsie Christianson.
She is survived by her children, Christopher (Michelle) Visscher, Cynthia (Matt Swanson) Visscher, David Wasserman, and Carin (Andy) Ribbens; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer (Todd) Timmer, Bob (Brandon Riley) Murillo, Melissa (Steve) Bayn, Josh (Jenny Van Veen) Ribbens, Gabe Murillo, Megan Soto, Lisa ( Doug) Carlton, Marc (Tina) Kaeckmeister, and Jill Moyer; 18 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister, Jean Dickenson; and in-laws, Carl (Barbara) Visscher, Beverly Bolen, Trudy (Joe) Glegola, Sharon Sens, Joan Cobb, Linda Visscher, and Judy Visscher.
Cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate Cora’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 57 W. 10th St., Holland, with Rev. Letisha Bowman officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., prior to the service, also at the church. Lunch will be served at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, it is Cora’s wish that a memorial gift be given to Cora’s Care Closet c/o Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County or First United Methodist Church of Holland. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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