Suzanne Zylstra

Suzanne Zylstra was a woman completely devoted to the two most important things in life: her family and her faith. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, and as fine a Christian woman as she could be. Suzanne found her calling as a preacher’s wife, a calling she answered in her head, her heart, and her hands.

Suzanne’s story began on a warm summer day in 1921, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. On June 30, 1921, Walter and Suzanne Swier celebrated the birth of a baby girl they named Suzanne.

Suzanne was the youngest of three girls in the family, who were all faithful members of the Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church. There Suzanne learned the principles of her faith, a faith that guided her throughout her entire lifetime.

Suzanne attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, where she was a good, but shy, student. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1939, and went to work at the American Seating Company. There she worked with Carolyn Zylstra, who took a liking to her and introduced her to her handsome brother-in-law, Paul Zylstra. Paul was a seminary student at Calvin College, and after dating for a few years, they were married in 1945.

In 1948, Suzanne quit working, ready to devote her full attention to being a preacher’s wife, and also, a loving mother. Suzanne and Paul were blessed with four wonderful daughter s over the years, Sharon, Rosemary, Ruthann, and Nancy, who filled her life with happiness.

She was equally happy and fulfilled with helping Paul in his ministry over the years. She helped in every way she could, and was the consummate host to countless coffee gatherings and other social church functions. Together they led congregations in McBain, Michigan, Grandville, Wayne New Jersey, San Diego, California, Ferrysburg, Michigan, and finally Scottsdale, Arizona, before retiring and settling in Jenison.

Suzanne had many interests of her own, and loved to cook and bake. and loved to do needlepoint, as well.

Her daughter Nancy sadly died on Christmas Day of 1996, which was so hard for her, yet she got through it with her faith and her family, as always. Then in 2001, she suffered a stroke, and had to move to the Christian Rest Home, where she received excellent care for the rest of her days.

Suzanne passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2007 and went to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 86.

Suzanne was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of faith and of family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend, and a devoted, beloved preacher’s wife. Suzanne found her calling in life, a calling she answered with her head, her hands, and her heart. She will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her husband, of 61 years, Rev. Paul Zylstra. Surviving are her children: Sharon Sue and Wietze Adema, Rosemary and Ron Draayer, Ruthann Zylstra, her son-in-law Jim Markus, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, her sister Mary Zondervan, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday November 16 at 4 P.M. at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church, 1571 Baldwin St. Georgetown Twp., with Rev. Karl VanHarn officiating. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Zylstra will repose at the church Friday prior to the service from 2 P.M. until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Christian Rest Home would be appreciated. To read more of Suzanne’s life, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.