Violet Sjaardema

Violet Mae Sjaardema was born on Saturday, January 2, 1937, at St Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver, Colorado.  Violet is the daughter of Clarence and Alyda Westenburg.  She is the oldest child of four siblings.  

Violet entered her Eternal Home on December 2, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Duane, sister, Janice, and brother, Ronald.

Most of Vi’s childhood and teenage years were spent in Denver, Colorado, where she attended Denver Christian High School, graduating in 1954.  After graduation, she was employed as a Psychiatric Assistant at Bethesda Hospital to earn money with which to enter college and enter Nurse’s Training.    

In the early 1950s, a family with three eligible teenage boys moved to Denver from Iowa and joined Second Christian Reformed Church in Denver Colorado – Vi’s home church. Duane, the oldest, arranged a date with Vi to drive around Washington Park and “spin cookies” in his car – a new and delightful experience for Vi on December 26, 1955.    

Duane and Vi were married on August 30, 1956. In the years following, she and Duane became parents to six children: Sandy, Dave, Rick, Vonda, Wes, and Viet.  
Vi was a devoted wife and mother and considered herself a lifelong homemaker. Though employed in various jobs for short periods of time, she always placed her responsibility as wife and mother first.  

Through her lifetime Vi was deeply involved in a variety of church activities, Gideon Bible Ministry, Stephen’s Ministries, Talking Bible Ministry, teaching English as a Second Language, choir, knitting and crocheting groups, and enjoyed attending sport and music functions involving her children and grandchildren.  Camping and gardening filled her need to explore God’s beautiful Creation.  

Vi was a wonderful Mentor to several young women. Vi’s gift of hospitality welcomed myriads of people into her home and life. Her deep faith and giving nature were a beautiful example of love.  Vi’s deep desire to spread the love of Jesus and the message of the Gospel has been evident in every personal encounter.

Vi is survived by her brother Marve, six children and their spouses, nineteen grandchildren and eight spouses, and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Her family is saddened by the empty spot in their lives, but rejoicing as she is “home” with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Vi is survived by:

Brother:  

     Marve Westenburg and his wife, Sandy, 

Children:  

     Sandy and her husband, Mark Hoekstra

     Dave and his wife, Marilyn Sjaardema

     Rick and his wife, Michele Sjaardema,

     Vonda and her husband Greg Schiebout

     Wes and his wife Kim Sjaardema

     Viet and his wife, NgocChuc Hua

Grandchildren and great grandchildren:

     Steve and Jami Hoekstra, Derek, Heidi, Gwen

     Curtis and Karlee Hoekstra, River, Remy, Rex

     Renee and Christian Brouwer,  Haylee, Vienna, Elyanna, Shayla

     Tim Hoekstra

     Chris and Andrea Sjaardema, Aiden

     Wendy Sjaardema and Conner Schneider-Smith

     Scott Sjaardema

     Mike and Katy Sjaardema, Summer, Mikey, Nicola

     Christopher Sjaardema and Joanna Anderson, Harleigh

     Jeremy Sjaardema, Amelia

     Crystal Adams, Keagen, Hunter

     Kaitlyn Schiebout, Raeyn Schiebout, Isaiah Schiebout, Cheryl

     Schiebout, Thea Schiebout

     Brandon and Jasmine Hua, Zoey, Max

     GwenAnn and Jason Castor, Dakota 

     ViAnn and John Ha, Logan

     Beth Russom-Steen, Holly, Kyle

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to  https://www.talkingbibles.org/Vi