Petronella Cecilia Schlepers

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johannes “John” Schlepers and will be deeply missed by her children; Marie Michael Rzeppa Schlepers of Pinckney, Ted Shirley Seif Schlepers of Byron Center, Cecilia Schlepers of Byron Center, Theresa Corry Dekker of Byron Center, Veronica Schlepers of Byron Center, brothers; Harry Lorena Boersma of Cutlerville, Michael Beatrice Boersma of California, and Fransicus Marie Boersma of the Netherlands, sister; Ida Henk Struijs of the Netherlands, 12 grandchildren; Sara, Emily, Aimee Marc, Melanie, Michael, Robert, Christy, Jennifer, Katrina, Gabriella, Ginelle, and Adrienne; three great-grandsons; Adam, Noah, and Levi, dear friend; Eleanor Marker, and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews in the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Nellie was born in Friesland, the Netherlands.

Before marriage to John on Septemper 3, 1947, she spent six years receiving her education and serving as choir director in a convent in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

John and Nellie came to the United States by boat, living in Frederick, Maryland before settling in Byron Center.

While raising their five children Nellie supplemented the family’s income by painting commercial signs and vehicles in Byron Center and surrounding communities.

Later in life she was commissioned to create oil paintings including; homesteads, landscapes, and still-lifes.

She served as choir director for St. Sebastian Church and was instrumental in initiating a religious education program for children of the parish.

Nellie was a woman of deep faith always willing to serve the parish family. She attended daily Mass for many years and was a Eucharistic minister.

Nellie was a member of the Carmelite Secular Order for 44 years.

Nellie’s sympathetic ear and compassionate heart touched the lives of many people, young and old, throughout her life.

During her retirement years Nellie shared her memoirs by writing a book titled, My Life’s Journey.

Her youngest child, Veronica, was the light of her life and Nellie was able to take care of Veronica and her husband, John, at home until she was 84 years of age.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Tuesday at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson SW, Byron Center, Msgr. Gaspar Ancona officiating with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Nellie’s family will receive guests on Sunday and Monday from 2-4pm and from 7-9pm at the Cook Funeral Home, 2089 84th Street, Byron Center.

A Rosary and Vigil service will be held on Monday at 7:30pm.

The family welcomes those unable to attend visitation or the service to make entries in their online memorial book at www.cookfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions in Nellie’s name can be made to the Carmelite Secular Order or St. Sebastian Religious Education.

Visitation July 10, 2005 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. Byron Center, MI (616) 878-9744

Funeral Service July 12, 2005 11:00 AM St. Sebastian Catholic Church 9408 Wilson Ave. SW Byron Center, MI (616) 878-1893

Interment Tuesday July 12 2005 St. Sebastian Cemetery - Byron Center 9408 Wilson SW Byron Center, MI (616) 878-1770

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI 616-878--9744