Evelyn J. Van Donselaar
April 1, 1928 – December 19, 2020
A family graveside service was held at Grand Prairie Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations go to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, https://www.hospiceswmi.org/give/.
Obituary
Evelyn passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 19, 2020. She was 92. She was born Evelyn Joyce DeBoer and was always proud of her Dutch heritage. A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, she married Johnny, her high school sweetheart. They were married for 64 years. She was a loving homemaker dedicated to raising four children, but ultimately became the influential and revered matriarch of five generations. A skillful tailor, she sewed nearly all of her daughters’ clothes during the early years and later prom dresses for her granddaughters. She had a tradition of baking incredible pies, cakes, cookies and pastries on Saturday mornings which continued throughout her life. With an April Fool’s Day birthday and an offbeat sense of humor, there was never any shortage of practical jokes to celebrate. As an avid year-long sales shopper, her children benefitted from an abundance of birthday and Christmas gifts. She was a long-time member of Centerpoint (Third Reformed) Church and later Hope Reformed Church. Christ was the center of the family household, and her and Johnny’s commitment to young people’s spiritual development led them to chaperon numerous church youth trips well into their retirement years. A caregiver by nature, her home was always a warm and welcoming place for all - friends, relatives, neighbors, youth and Bible study groups. She was ever grateful for the loving care and devotion of her grandchildren and especially so during her last few months while visitation at her residence was restricted. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Jennie and Cornelius DeBoer, her sister Beverly and brother Stanley. She is survived by her children Joyce Kroes, Janet (Rik) Zelenock, Judy (Scott) Bovenkerk and Norman Van Donselaar, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She and her family are most grateful for the incredibly professional and compassionate care provided by StoryPoint and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Evelyn would often say of them that “they’re not my family but they’re like my family”.
Our most sincere sympathy to all of Aunt Evelyn’s family. So sorry for your loss. I hadn’t seen Aunt Evelyn in several years, but have fond memories from growing up. May God give you all His comfort and Peace. Ron and Phyllis Van Donselaar
I am so very sorry to hear of Evelyn’s passing. Growing up directly across the street on Devonshire, the Van Donselaar’s were my favorite neighbors! It seemed like every other day my mom would send me over (and I think I was the only person that would knock on the “front door” instead of the side door) to borrow a cup of sugar, take something from the garden or bring a dress for Evelyn to hem or alter (she saved the day .. too many times to count). I remember always getting to look in her “candy drawer” in the kitchen and getting a pink wintergreen candy or a freshly baked cookie or other treat! I really loved when she made Oliebollens every year for Christmas! When I “grew up” and moved away, I always tried to make a special point of dropping by and really enjoyed our visits. I will hold my memories fondly in my heart forever. Sending love and hugs to the whole big Van Donselaar family.
Joyce, Kim, Todd and Randy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know how much she loved you and hold tight to your memories, they will bring you great joy. In friendship, Sherri
Judy, Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember my mom and Flosie going over go have desert at your house with your mom. I had to pick mom for some reason and the three of them were sitting at the table laughing so hard each one of them had tears running down their cheeks. I was laughing and had no idea why. I’m smiling as I write this. Your mom will be missed.
Dear Family of Evelyn! News just reached me in Holland of the passing of your mother. I have such fond memories of her from the neighborhood when I was young. I especially remember the candy jar that your mom had in a high cupboard. You kids often came to our house on Friday nights for popcorn. Our Webster family lived across the street on Park Avenue and was good friends with your entire family. Your mother used to love to laugh with my mom, and the men would laugh too. I hope that you remember that our parents often camped together. Do you remember the four of them going to California and being in an accident? Do you remember Don and Marg Webster, Jack, Jo an Dottie? Don, Marg and Jack have passed on, but we still have ties to Kalamazoo with Dottie. Please accept our Christian sympathy in the passing of your Mom. She was a lot of fun and full of energy! We hold you up in our thoughts and prayers!
I have fond memories of living one street over from you in Parchment. We shared many play times together as young girls. My parents and yours were friends and I remember them fondly. It’s been two years since my parents stepped into heaven, and may the same peace that passes all understanding be yours as you grieve like it was for us. Deepest Sympathies and Prayers