Paulina Elisabeth Zweerus, was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and lived with her parents and five other siblings. They endured many hardships and had little resources during those early years. as their city was destroyed by the Hitler regime in WWII. Those years molded her into a woman with a sense of survival and gratitude. After the war, at the age of 16, she met a handsome young man by the name of Pieter. They dated for seven and a half years until they got married on May 13, 1953. They decided to immigrate to Canada in 1957, with their firstborn daughter, Ineke. They had to learn the English language and new customs while establishing a new home and employment. It was there that they welcomed their second daughter, Paula, into their family. The final move of their adventure brought them to Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA In 1962. Their third child, son, Pieter Jr., was born in 1964. They loved their new surroundings in Grand Rapids, where many Dutch Immigrants settled. They owned Pete’s Cut Rate Meats for ten years, which was known for its homemade sausages and Dutch cheeses. After many years of hard work and long days, they sold their market. Then Paulina was hired to work as a paraprofessional for Grand Rapids Public Schools where she worked until her retirement in 1991.
She loved her family and loved to spoil her grandchildren Lindsay, Nick, Kyle, and Kelsey. She was a wonderful partner with her husband Pieter and loved her children Ineke, Paula, and Pieter. She was thankful for her son-in-law, Jeff, for all his help these past years. She was also so proud of her great-grandchildren Peyton and Lauren. Paulina was thankful for her sisters Nel DeBil, Bep Hokke, and Gerry Kremer, of the Netherlands. Additionally, she was very fond of her many nieces and nephews from both Canada and the Netherlands.
Paulina was preceded in death by her husband, Pieter Zweerus; son, Pieter Zweerus Jr.; parents Hendrick and Paulina Hokke; sister, Siet Koch; and brother, Frans Hokke.
She spent a lifetime living life to its fullest with so many fond memories and years of laughter. She loved posing for silly pictures with her grandchildren and was a good sport whenever her family asked her to do crazy things. Lately, she loved spending time at the family cottage on Big Star Lake.
Special thanks to all our girlfriends for making Mom, a.k.a Oma, feel so special. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was a blessing. Also, a shout out to her doctors through Metro Health, Dr. VanNoord and his staff, and Dr. Taylor, for providing her with great care over the years. We are also appreciative of Emmanuel Hospice for their guidance and support these past few days.
A private Celebration of Paulina’s Life will take place in the near future, with time and date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
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