Gesena (Bouma) Groenendyk, age 85, of Holland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
Gesena was preceded in death by her husband, Jay, in 2015, her son, David, in 1999, and brothers and sister: Norman, John, Cornelia (Connie), Gordon, Donald, James, Robert, and Dennis Paul.
She was born at her parent’s farm in Richland Township, Missaukee County, Michigan, the second daughter of Peter and Helena Bouma. Gesena was a member of Christ Memorial Church in Holland. She attended Calvin College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977. She went on to pursue graduate studies at Michigan State University. For most of her life Gesena was a teacher. She spent 29 years with Holland Christian Schools teaching elementary-age students. After retiring from full-time work, Gesena taught at Davenport University teaching communication classes as well as working for Hope College as a student teacher advisor. In her later years, she became a substitute teacher for local school districts in West Michigan as well as providing care to the elderly through an organization called Atrio. Her passions in life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michigan State University football, Calvin College basketball, and any Holland Christian sporting events.
Gesena is survived by her:
Son
Daniel (Jacqueline) Groenendyk
Daughter
Jana (Potts) Barforth
Daughter-in-law
Judi Groenendyk
Grandchildren
Amanda (Bryant) Russ
Heather Potts
Derek (Rachel) Potts
Jordan (Matt) Ribeiro
Gerrit Groenendyk
Allison Groenendyk
Courtney Groenendyk
Great-granddaughters
Reagan, Avery, Emilia, and Miriam Russ
Brother and sisters
Marilyn (George) Vegter
Perc Bouma
Mary (Manny) Matos
In-laws
Willie Bouma
Ruth Bouma
Kelli Bouma
Ann Groenendyk
Marlene Groenendyk
Ron (Char) Groenendyk.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 6, at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland (please use Sanctuary entrances C & D). Rev. Mike Westerveld will officiate. The service will also be live-streamed; please check back here on the day of the service for the link information. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Holland Christian Schools and Holland Community Hospital. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
