Lucy was born in Sleeuwijk, Netherlands, on August 24, 1943, to Lucas Van Drunen and Dora Wynands. She was the youngest of five children and was described by her older brother as the “darling of the family… everyone loved her.”
She immigrated to Holland, Michigan, with her family in 1951. Lucy graduated from Holland Christian High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Mary’s College of Nursing.
She worked at Ferguson’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before giving birth to her first child. She then chose to stay home to care for her three children and remained actively involved in her community, organizing fundraisers and church bazaars to benefit Holland Christian Schools and Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church during her years as a member.
Lucy is survived by her devoted husband, Wesley J. Nykamp; her son, Louis (Blair) Nykamp; daughters, Dara Nykamp and Rachel (Steve) Warren; grandchildren, Cassidy, Eden, Juniper, Cabot, Lucas (L.J.), and great-granddaughter, Adelaide.
She is the loving sister of Peter (Kathy) Van Drunen and was preceded in death by her sisters, Cora Van Drunen, Cecilia Droge, formerly Voetberg, and Jane Groenlier, formerly Zwiep. She was a dear aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Her joyful expressions, wit, and wisdom will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Fellowship Reformed Church, Holland. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.. Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery, adjacent to the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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