Rosemary Sytsma

Rosemary Muriel Sytsma, age 81, of Jenison, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November  11, 2024.

Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. When I think about my mom, what stood out the most was that she loved the Lord and her life reflected that. She was kind, tenderhearted, forgiving…and she loved to cook and serve others. She was a cleaning lady by trade but was known for her friendliness and hospitality. If it was near Christmas almost everyone she knew was given peanut brittle, Christmas cookies or fudge. She remembered people by name and made them feel loved…even the checkout clerks at Aldi. She loved spending time with friends up north at Shanty Creek, planning and going on the annual Chicago shopping trip with the ladies from church, and going to hear the Grand Rapids Symphony with dad. Some people will remember the beauty salon she had in the basement and time spent with Rosemary while she cut their hair. Others will remember spending time with her over coffee eating one of her delicious treats. Her grandchildren will always have fond memories of dinner rolls and big Thanksgiving meals. No matter how you knew her, you knew that she loved you and that she loved God. Her life was devoted to showing others Christ’s love, praying for the needs of family and friends, and serving people. She will be missed by everyone that her life touched.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Marvin Sytsma. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Todd and Darla Sytsma, Scott and Ann Sytsma; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; Mitchell and Abby Sytsma (Rosie, Cora, Jamison), Aubrey and Jon Knapp (Jace, Brady, Ashton), Tori and Ben Worley (Jenny), Paul Sytsma, Ruth Sytsma, Eve Sytsma; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathy (Howard) Sytsma, Mary (Bob) Sytsma, Carol (Tom) Fox, Charlie and Jackie Lemery, Donna and Ryan Belstra; and many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 14, at 10 a.m. at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee St. SW,  Wyoming, with Rev. Steve DeVries officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Lee Street Christian Reformed Church.