Janice Rysdyk

Ms. Janice Marlene Rysdyk, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2020 following a brief battle with cancer.

She was born in Grand Rapids, MI in the fall of 1937 to Frank and Helen (Hein) Rysdyk.

She attended Calvin College as an undergraduate and earned her Master's Degree from Michigan State University. While she never married or had children, she touched the lives of hundreds of kids at North Oakview Elementary School in Grand Rapids as an elementary school teacher for decades.

The home she has lived in since she was 3-years-old prominently features both an elegant grand piano and an organ around which the family would gather while Janice played. Music was so important to her.

Janice was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. She had a huge heart and in her later years, she dedicated most of her time, energy, and resources to helping animals. She rescued dozens of cats and was probably one of the few 82-year-old women with a pit bull mix.

Along with her parents, Janice is preceded in death by her brother Randy Rysdyk. She is survived by her brother Roger Rysdyk, niece Gina Rysdyk, and nephew Daryl Rysberg, all of California.

There will be a private service and in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Best Pals Animal Rescue at 13888 Blair St. Holland, Michigan 49424.