Mrs. Nellie "Nell" Van Leeuwen Hiemstra

Petronella Cornelia Van Leeuwen Hiemstra died unexpectedly on June 17, 2011 at the age of 90. Nell was a resident of Mercer Island, WA, and former long-time resident of Gresham and Corbett, Oregon. Nell was born in Zouterwoude, Holland on June 22, 1920, immigrating to the United States in 1937 with her family. In 1946, she married Art Hiemstra who preceded her in death in 1968.

Nell was an extraordinarily positive person, raising five children largely on her own following the early death of her husband. Nell had a sharp and intuitive mind, a constant smile, and a crossword puzzle or book always within reach. Nell possessed remarkable self-awareness, acceptance and humor. Her energetic and joyful spirit made her fun to be around.

Following retirement, Nell volunteered for many years with Loaves and Fishes and other charity efforts in East Multnomah County. A committed Christian, she was an active member of the Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years and a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church for the last 3 years. Nell was an avid gardener throughout her life. She was also an active bicyclist and cross-county skier into her mid-80s and was always ready to try something new, welcoming the next adventure.

Nell enjoyed a wide circle of friends including many whom she had met since moving to Mercer Island to be nearer her family in WA. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she took pride in introducing her new twin great-granddaughters to her friends. Nell still spoke fluent Dutch and celebrated her Dutch heritage with all.

Nell is survived by her five children and their spouses: Ted Hiemstra (Fran) of Seattle, WA, Glen Hiemstra (Tracie) of Kirkland, WA, Art Hiemstra (Cathy) of Lake Oswego, OR, Hal Hiemstra (Dawn Hill) of Washington, D.C, and Petra Sauve (Jeff) of Concord, CA and was “Oma” to 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fairview, OR on Sunday, June 26, at 12:30 pm, reception following, with interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham at 3:00 pm. For service details, directions, and to share remembrances, please visit www.batemancarrollfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes https://donate.loavesandfishescenters.org/ (Cherry Blossom Center)

A good long life well lived. A short ending. Mom, we will all miss you terribly. Your loving family.