Doris was born on April 30, 1929 to George and Ruth (Moulder) Boerman in Fremont, MI. On September 6, 1951 she married Matthew Okkema. Together they raised four children: Bruce, Ruth, Sue, and Joni. They were married nearly 70 years until his passing in 2021. They had a wonderful life together and were able to take many trips throughout the USA and the world. Family vacations were their favorite, though; there were many years of spring break trips to SC and FL, and also annual summer vacations at a rental cottage on Lake Michigan making lots of memories.
Doris was a talented seamstress; she loved gardening; she volunteered her time to so many different organizations, always willing to cheerfully help where needed. She especially cherished her time serving with Friendship Ministries. So many were touched by her kind heart and beautiful smile. But her best, and favorite, role was that of mom, grandma and Gigi to four children, 12 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. She loved to laugh and she loved to have fun, and that is how she will forever be remembered. Family dinners, stories on the beach, Christmas stockings, Easter egg hunts, never missing a school program or sporting event or grandparents’ day, hugs, smiles and sweet words—these are the memories that will be forever cherished.
Doris is survived by her son, Bruce (Mary) Okkema of Zeeland; daughters Ruth (Dave) Bratt of Rockford, Sue (Bruce) VandenBrink of Dorr, and Joni (Ron) Brookens of Zeeland; grandchildren Rosemary (Robert) Kuperberg, Robin (Rick) VanBragt, Holly (Kyle) Israels, Corrie (Mike) VanEck, Tom (Jessica) Bratt, Joe (Thea) Bratt, Jenny (AJ) Heyboer, Sarah (Gary) Bratt, Matt (Katie) Vriesman, Brian (Kristin) Brookens, Scott (Kristina) Brookens, Heidi (David) Veen; 22 great-grandchildren; sister Helen Swinehart; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon Boerman, Mary Jean Kolk, and Florence and Garry Niewenhuis.
Doris was preceded in death by her dear husband Matthew, and great-grandson Zachary Israels; her sisters Marian Rottman and Margaret VanKoevering; her brother Ken Boerman; in-laws Harold Rottman, Howard Swinehart, Terry VanKoevering, Elinore Okkema, and Steve Kolk.
A private burial service has taken place in Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont, MI. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be held at Yntema Funeral Home on Tuesday, 5:00-7:00 p.m., and Wednesday at 10:00 prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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