Mary Ruth Vander Kooy (Burggraaff), age 90, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Holland,
Michigan.
Born on November 7, 1935, in Amsterdam, New York, Mary graduated from Watervliet High School,
Watervliet, NY in 1952 and then from Hope College, Holland, MI in 1956. She married Edward James Vander Kooy on June 28, 1957, who preceded her in death in 2022 after 65 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents Rev. Henry and Ruth (Hardie) Burggraaff
She is survived by her son, David Vander Kooy; daughter, Barbara (Doug) Panhorst; grand-children, Mark Panhorst, Erin (Mike) Schneider; great-grandchild, James Schneider; and brother John (Jackie)
Burggraaff.
Mary loved to volunteer and remain active in many church activities at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, which included teaching Vacation Bible School, Women’s Circle, Sunday School, mentoring in Kid’s Hope, and a Steven’s Minister. Ed and Mary were members at Christ Memorial for over 60 years.
Mary loved her cats, sweet treats and holiday décor. In more recent years, Mary loved being a grandmother to Mark and Erin and had the good fortune of knowing great-grandson James for two years.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 Am on Saturday, August the 29th. at Christ Memorial Church Chapel, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland, MI 49423. Rev. Judy Nelson presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Mary will be laid to rest at a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to either Christ Memorial
Church, or to Hope College in Holland.
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