Tena Boertje

83 years of Upland, CA on September 22, 2014 at 6pm mom passed from this life into the hands of our Heavenly Father, with family at her side in her home. She was born in Gauw (Friesland) The Netherlands on Dec. 17, 1930. Resided in Hitsuzum, Friesland for the first 24 years of her life.

Immigrated to the United States in 1954 living in Orange City, Iowa near brother Andy and wife Wilmina for a year. She worked hard as a waitress and housekeeper always sharing a little of what she made with others less fortunate. Mom took great pride in mastering the English language, for she took her future citizenship very seriously. Thereafter she moved to Artesia, CA. to join brother Gerben and wife Tina, then relocated to Chino, CA enjoying the warm California climate. While living in Chino mom worked at San Antonio Community Hospital as a nurses aide. In 1958 she met and married Gerrit Pieter Boertje. They started their married lives investing in their first chicken ranch located in Upland, CA. Within a few years they invested in another ranch and moved to Alta Loma, CA where they owned and operated Alta Loma Egg Ranch. In Feb. 14, 1963 Mom and Dad became United States citizens. Our parents retired in 1978 and sold the ranch in 1982 enabling them to move to Upland, CA. Shortly after retirement she proudly earned her Real Estate License.

Mom was an avid reader and a true believer of higher education since she was unable to receive that opportunity in Holland. She loved a nice garden and transformed their large barren, backyard hill into a garden paradise. "The hill" was the envy of the neighborhood and a joy for all the grand kids and grand cousins to play on. Mom and Dad were blessed to be able to travel extensively all over the world. She also enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations for family where we have fond memories of the food she so lovingly prepared for us. Mom loved her family deeply and was happiest when they were all around. Mom was very much involved in her grandchildren's lives by loving to baby sit, enjoying their sporting events, school functions and was able to attend every graduation. Dad passed away in June of 1996, thereafter Mom found companionship with lady friends in multiple social clubs in Upland and Bible studies at Crosspoint Christian Reformed Church in Chino. She enjoyed the members of her "house church" study where she always took her turn hosting in spite of her health issues. Mom has always been an influential Christian example for her daughters. She also had strong opinions and felt free to express them when they came to mind sometimes raising a eyebrow or two.

She is survived by her three daughters. Gerri Meninga of Bakersfield, CA (husband Ron, children Ben, Jake and Jessica). Jackie Bradford of Santa Barbara, CA (husband, Jeff and son Joshua Elllis) Anna Teunissen of Nampa, ID (husband Bernie children Bernard (BJ), Derek and Sarah Van Vliet (husband Ryan) great-grandson Arie Van Vliet and soon to arrive baby girl Van Vliet. Sister Anna Marie Schaapsma of the Netherlands. Loved by numerous nephews and nieces first and second generations. Proceeded in death by parents, Johannes and Geertje Van Dijk (Van Dyk) siblings, Trynts Zwaagrsta (sister) Brothers Gerben, Ijnse, Jitse Pieter, Jellie, Sijbren and Anske.

Viewing will be held at Draper Mortuary in Ontario, CA on Sunday, Sept. 28th at 4-5:30 pm. Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Sept 29th at 10:30 am at Crosspoint Christian Reformed Church, 6950 Edison Ave, Chino CA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Salvation Army in your local community.