Naomi Bergsma

Naomi L. Bergsma was a passionate, strong, caring person who loved her family and her God. She was a gentle woman who gave much of her time and energy to others, especially her family. Her sense of what was right and wrong was instilled as lifelong values in her children. She taught those who knew her with both her words and through the example she set of a good Christian. In 1919, America was on the verge of entering the great decade known as the Roaring 20s. It was into this time of change that Naomi was born on April 21, 1919, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Glen and Marie Bates. Naomi was the middle of three children. She and her brothers grew up on Center Street N.E. and in their young lives endured the Great Depression. Naomi often recalled the many wonderful memories she and her brothers had sliding down the snow-covered hill on Sweet Street for some winter time fun.

Naomi attended Palmer Elementary School and later graduated from Creston High School. During her high school years, Naomi worked at Buttercup Bakery. The shop is now called Arnie's Bakery but in one of Arnie's facilities there still hangs a picture of Naomi in her younger years.

The Bates family was faithful members of the Berean Baptist Church. It was while worshipping at Berean that she met her future husband, George J. Bergsma. George joined the battles of WWII and upon his return, he asked Naomi to be his wife. They were married in May of 1945.

The young couple began their new lives together in a small apartment on the north side for a few years. They both wanted a place they could call home and so they built a house on Kinney N.W. This became Naomi's home, where she would lovingly raise her children, Scott and Alecia, and spend many happy years with George. She was devoted to her family and supportive of their individual activities and interests. She enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends, but her favorite place to be was at home surrounded by loved ones. Naomi's loving husband passed away in 1990. She continued to stay in their home for a few years after George's death, but in time moved to Porter Hills Presbyterian Village. Although Naomi retained her membership to Berean Baptist Church her entire life, she and George attended the Leonard Heights Baptist Church on the west side of Grand Rapids. They were one of the first people to support this new growing congregation. Naomi was a support to many people and was able to help in this way in the different groups established at her church. Naomi was dedicated to her Christian beliefs all her life and passed these values on to her family with a wonderful smile and a warm giving heart. Naomi knew that true hospitality began in the heart and many times opened her home to for special gatherings. Naomi had a special gift for entertaining and preparing the perfect dish for each gathering. Naomi L. Bergsma passed away on Monday, November 24, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Bergsma. Surviving are her children: Scott and Christy Bergsma, and Alecia and Larry Terpstra, her grandson, Cody Terpstra, her brother and sisters-in-law, George and Blanche Bates, Ivah Bates and nieces and nephews. Funeral and committal services will be held Saturday, November 29 at 11 A.M. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Naomi Bergsma reposes at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W., where relatives and friends may meet her family on Friday, November 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Naomi's life story, share a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICE, A Life Story Funeral Home. Naomi was a woman devoted to both her family and faith. Her benevolence radiated and was reflected in those around her. She will be greatly missed.