Hazel Bylsma

A woman of strong faith, Hazel Bylsma, lived her Christian beliefs, not with fanfare but with selfless example. Always teaching by example, quick to lend her hands to the task at hand, her life was a testimony to her faith.

The year of 1916 was a tumultuous year in Minnesota, the hard working immigrant mine workers were striking for better working conditions, and the people followed the events of the first Great War, not knowing in just another year it would embroil the people of the United States. But those concerns were put aside by Peter and Reka (Bonga) Casemier as they welcomed the birth of a daughter, Hazel born on July 9, 1916. Her 4 younger brothers and sisters, "Lou", Elaine, John and Edna would later join the family.

As a child Hazel's family would move from Minnesota to Grand Rapids so that their children would have a Christian education. The city would provide many opportunities for the Casemier family.. Hazel, being the oldest made the trip by car with her father over gravel roads, no small feat in the 1920's, while the rest of the family took the train. Hazel would go on to attend the Baxter Christian School and then Grand Rapids Christian High School. Like so many women of her time she left high school early after the 10th. grade to work and help support the family in those Great Depression times. First she worked with her father on the baked goods truck going door to door. Later she would work at the Globe Knitting company for 5 years. Whether for her father and mother or her own children her aptitude for hard work would be a life long gift to both her families.

At a mission meeting at a Holland park Hazel was introduced to John Bylsma who was delivering milk to the event. He would call later the following week. They dated for some time and as their love blossomed, it culminated in their marriage in the presence of God and family at the Eastern Ave. Christian Reformed Church on June, 20, 1940. Before they married, the couple built their house at 1868 Hillmount NW; it would be the center of the Bylsma family life and for 52 years Hazel lived there. The house was enlarged three times to accommodate the growing family. A pool was added later whcih led to many fantastic memories for all. It would be the only house the six children, Reita, Karen, Jack, Bruce, Yvonne and Dan would ever know growing up.

Hazel enjoyed sewing, knitting, baking and country painting. She poured out love through her fingers making all of the children's clothing including their coats. Birthdays, special parties, Easter all were times she would hand make a special item of clothing even if it meant burning the midnight oil to finish. Her children were the center of her life and she was active in the PTA and followed all her children's activities.

She was the ultimate hostess, first at home then later at the family restaurant, Bylsma's Pancake House. Sunday night gatherings were memorable and would always include the best linen and silver, her attention to detail was only surpassed by the home cooked meals of beef or pork roast and the family favorites of daffodil cake and angel pie. In 1962 her hostess skills would pay off as she went from stay at home mom to hostess at the restaurant, she would even help with the serving. Sunday mornings were memorable times for the Bylsma family, all the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would gather after church for coffee and her homemade goodies. Hazel reveled in these times and was tolerant of all the youthful exuberance that the children and grandchildren brought to the family time, things like firing tennis balls around the room and seeing who could hit their elbows on the ceiling.

Her Christian faith was never stronger than when she faced the loss of her beloved family members, her husband John, shortly after the celebration of 50 years of marriage, the sudden death of her son Jack and the loss of little Hanna. Hazel could adapt and after 52 years in the family home she moved to Rolling Greene Condominiums for 14 years, then spending the last 18 months of her life at Rose Garden Homes Assisted Living facility in Grandville.

A fine Christian woman who would walk the walk for 91 years, Hazel was not flashy, but proper and conservative, those who knew her learned from her by example. Selfless and devoted to her family she was the good and faithful servant, going to be with her Lord. One of her last statements was, "Where he leads, I will follow". She will be missed, but all those who saw God work through this servant wife, mother and grandmother will never forget her.

Mrs. Hazel R. Bylsma, age 91, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband John, son Jack, granddaughter Hanna and her sisters Lou VanTil and Elaine Potter. Surviving are her children, Reita and Rev. Jerome Julien, Karen and Tom Postmus, Bruce and Jan Bylsma, Yvonee and Steve Vander Weide, Dan and Sharon Bylsma and daughter-in-law Lynn Bylsma; 26 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, her sister Edna Venlet and her brother John and Harriet Casemier and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11AM at Westview Christian Reformed Church, 2929 Leonard St. NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Sunday from 7-9PM and on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Side Christian School Foundation, 955 Westend NW, 49504. Special thanks to the staff, her loving “family,” at Rose Garden Homes. To read Hazel’s lifestory, share a favorite memory or sign the guestbook visit www.lifestorynet.com