Helen Marie Dertien

Helen Marie (Stepanchuk) Dertien passed away peacefully with family at her side on June 10, 2025. Helen was born in Grand Rapids on November 27, 1929. She was the youngest of four siblings, two sisters, Mary (Stanley Ampulski) and Anne (Raymond Schultz), and brother, John (Bette), all now deceased.

Helen grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids. She met and married William Dertien in the aftermath of WWII and started a family. Helen and Bill enjoyed a long married life of 72 years, devoted to family and community until Bill’s death in 2021. Helen filled her home with love and good food. Summers were spent putting up food to be enjoyed through the winter, along with gardening and camping on Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.

Helen was an active member of Calvary Reformed Church and First Reformed Church of Grandville. Helen had a love of reading her entire life and shared her love of reading with many children who knew her as the librarian at Hillcrest Elementary. She read stories with great expression, most recently to children visitors at Sunset Manor and Village where she resided her last nine years.

Helen was a very positive person, always offering encouragement through letters, notes, and visits. Helen lived simply and enriched many lives during her 95 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Forster and granddaughter-in-law, Kari Jolink. She will be lovingly remembered by children Stuart Forster, Mike (Sally) Dertien, Carol (Terry) Jolink, Patricia (David) Toczydlowski; grandchildren Ellen (Brent) Bode, Sam (Melinda) Dertien, Adam Dertien, Matthew Jolink, Joel (Becky Williams) Jolink, Susie Jolink, Rachel Toczydlowski, Alan (Rachel Zerby) Toczydlowski; great-grandchildren Addie and Tori Bode, Drew and Luke Jolink, Mia and Kayla Williams; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard (Marilyn) Dertien; sister, Shirley Vanderson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Sunset Manor and Corewell Health Hospice who took such good care of her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Sunset Legacy Foundation in honor of Helen.

Helen’s loved ones will welcome guests from 2-3 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville MI, 49418, prior to a celebration of life that will commence at 3 p.m. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.