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BORN

1955

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 E 16th St

Holland, Michigan

Patricia Vander Zwaag Obituary

Patricia Sue (Patti) Vander Zwaag, age 62, of Holland, passed peacefully into eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Patti was born October 18, 1955 to Jacob and Gladys (Andringa) Gras; she attended Zeeland Christian School and graduated from Holland Christian High School. She worked at Zeeland Hospital and Herman Miller before taking a position at Holland Hospital. There she met the love of her life, Rick. They were married on March 19, 1981. After having 3 children, Rick and Patti felt called to do Foster Care and gave a home to 32 children. Three of those children never left and were adopted into the family.
Patti was a good listener to anyone who was heartbroken and beaten down by the bad choices they had made. She accepted others as they were, and tried to point them to Christ. Patti was a member of Pillar Church.
Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Gladys Gras; stepmother, Marge Gras; parents-in-law, Harold and Elma Jane Vander Zwaag; brothers-in-law, Jim Blystra and Bern VanderZwaag.
Patti will be greatly missed by her husband of 36 years, Rick; daughters, Alissa and Dan Bouwman, Jennie and John Turner, Emily and Bobby Clarkson; sons, Jake and Katie Vander Zwaag, Justin and Cree Vander Zwaag, Jeremiah Vander Zwaag; special foster children, Talisha Smith, John Ferrell, Luis Martinez; 17 grandchildren whom she adored; brothers, Norm and Marge Gras, Ken and Judy Gras, Larry and Sue Gras; sisters, Mary and Daryl Boerman, Beverly Blystra; in-laws, Jan Vander Zwaag, Glen and Mary Vander Zwaag, Gene and Carole Vander Zwaag, Bob and Sandy Vander Zwaag, Dwight and Vonnie Vander Zwaag, Wayne Vander Zwaag; many nieces and nephews; and many foster children who called her Mom.
A celebration of her life will take place 11 a.m. Monday, November 27 at Pillar Church, 57 E 10th St., Holland, with Rev. Jon Brown and Rev. Jenna Brandsen officiating. Burial will be in Olive Township Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, November 26 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th St., Holland. In lieu of flowers please consider giving to Pillar Church for ministry in Uganda. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Holland Sentinel on Nov. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Vander Zwaag

Sponsored by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





Lynn DeWitt

December 7, 2017

I can't tell you how often I thought of Pat and the time we spent at LFM. EMILY & BOBBY, my heart breaks for you. Praying for God to continue to embrace this family and shower you all with his peace. You are so loved!

Bill & Lynne Uildriks

November 26, 2017

"Dear Rick and Family" We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pat. She was a good person who loved her family. All the things she did for her children and children in need will not be overlooked by our Heavenly Father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Lynne Uildriks

Patrick & Eraida Madison

November 25, 2017

Heaven has gained a beautiful angel! ❤ Sending love, peace, and healing to you.

Bill Van steenis

November 23, 2017

Dear Rick and family,

Barb and I are so deeply saddened at the loss of Pat. She was a good and kind person and she loved children and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve Pat's loss.

With deepest sympathies,

Bill and Barb van Steenis

November 23, 2017

Rick and family
We are praying for you all during this time. May the Lords gentle compassion surround you.
Kurt and Patti Schonfeld

Flo Barrett

November 23, 2017

Rick & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for peace & comfort during this difficult time.

Kristi Knoll

November 22, 2017

Rick and family,
So shocked to hear of Pat's passing. We so enjoyed spending the evening with you and Wayne and Pat and sharing a meal together. Our prayers are with you at this sad time. Blaine and Kristi Jo Knoll

Betty Williams

November 22, 2017

What a terrible shock for all of you. So very sorry and praying God's peace for you!

Robin & Chris Mayer

November 22, 2017

To the entire family, our sincere condolences. Our loss is heaven's gain. What a dear lady. I remember meeting when we lived on 17th Street and we all went to Maple Avenue Ministries, that was 21 years ago. My how our earthly time flies. I recall sitting on the front porch on 18th Street, where Pat always made you feel right at home amongst all the hustle and bustle of kids and friends running in and out! Our prayers are with you all. May your memories turn from tears into smiles.

Michelle Schmucker(Roberts)

November 21, 2017

To Rick and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. May God wrap his arms around in the days to come. Praying for you and your family.

Candice Hicks-Glasper

November 21, 2017

Heaven has gained an angel, our prayers are with each on of you at this time.

kathy vanderzwaagdekker

November 21, 2017

rick i am so sorry to hear about pat. we all had such a connection when you visited iowa. she was a dear lady.

Sharon Overbeek

November 20, 2017

Rick and entire family. It grieves my heart that you lost your wife, mom and grandma. She will be missed by many, myself included. May the Lord's love, grace and mercy follow you especially through these next few days. He will never leave you nor forsake you. May you all rest in His peace which only He can give you!! With love.... and praying for all of you!! Sharon

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Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Patricia Vander Zwaag

Nov

26

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI

Nov

26

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI

Nov

27

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Pillar Church

57 E. 10th St., Holland, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423

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