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BORN
1928
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Gert Talsma Obituary
Mom left behind the best of herself in each of us kids: In the songs she played and sang, her stories and chatter, the obvious pride she had in us, her never-ending, always-believing love, determination, joy and humor, and most of all, the faith in God that she instilled in us. In recent years, as her health declined and her dementia progressed, she moved into assisted living. No longer mobile, she maintained her love for people and her Lord as she spent time in prayer for her family and friends.
Music was always an important part of Mom's life. She played the piano "by ear," never learning to read music, but her fingers could pound out any song she heard. It was truly a gift. Throughout her lifetime, Mom sang with and played for various trios and quartets. Weekends were spent attending area musical events with countless friends.
Mom was a true people-person. Her interests included choir, volunteer work, bus trips, water aerobics, reading to nursing home residents, Ladies Aid, the Tulip Town Tuners kitchen band, and her work as a home health care aide. And every summer she managed to nurture at least one scraggly tomato plant in her condo landscaping.
Mom leaves a legacy of love in her children, Arla Rozeboom of Holland, Gloria Houting (Frank) of Eagle, Idaho, Cam Gordon (Dave) of Portland, John DeVries (Maxine) of Munising, and Eric Talsma (Amanda Shumaker) of Grand Haven. She is survived by 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several siblings and in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Mom was preceded in death by her daughter, Evonne DeVries; son-in-law, Bob Rozeboom; and granddaughter, Teresa (Tracy) Houting.
A celebration of Mom's life will be Friday, October 10, at 11 a.m. at First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave. in Zeeland with visitation one-hour prior to the service.
Visitation will also be on Thursday, October 9, from 6–8 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. in Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Reformed Church of Zeeland or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. To share memories or leave a message please visit Mom's memorial webpage at www.lakeshorememorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gert Talsma
Sponsored by Lakeshore Memorial Services.
6 Entries
Susan Williams
October 9, 2014
Peace
October 9, 2014
As a former neighbor and Rose Park friend,
Gert will be greatly misses. We also enjoyed her in the Kitchen Band.
Denny and Barb Baldwin
Ruth Vanden Bosch
October 9, 2014
To all of Gert's family, I wish you peace and wonderful memories of your amazing Mom. She sounds just like my Aunt Gertrude Vanden Bosch Oppenhuizen who was also an amazing musician. God bless you all!
Ruth Vanden Bosch
Sharon Langejans
October 8, 2014
Gert was such a kind and gentle spirit. I enjoyed singing with her. I enjoyed Eric friendship with my sons and know Gert always treated my boys well. Heartfelt sympathy to the Talsma family from the Langejans family. You are in our prayers!
Sharon Langejans
October 8, 2014
Gert was such a kind and gentle soul, I enjoyed singing with her and having Eric at our home with my boys. She was always kind to my sons; To the Talsma family, Our family is truly sorry for your loss!
Henry Viening
October 8, 2014
Remember her well from 1st Ref of Zeeland. I drove the bus that picked people up for worship and she was always there. Such a sweet lady. I will always remember her and how she loved to talk. She was a joy. Will pray for your family.
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