Maxine Ruth (Van Solkema) Alberda, age 86, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, April 9, 2021, where she heard the words, “well done, good and faithful servant." She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Randy Alberda and her grandson, Kyle Jamieson. We thank God for the loving influence our wife, mom, and grandma has had on our lives. Her love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life as she touched the lives of so many around her. Mick will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her faithful husband of 68 years, Don Alberda; daughters Donna (Dave) Whitney and Diane (Jerry) VanderLugt; sons Rick (Janice) Alberda, Ross (Robin) Alberda, and Shane Alberda; 18 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Mick is also survived by her sisters Chris (Mel) Kruizenga, Ardyce Bandstra, and Ruth (Don) Vander Horn; sister-in-law, Myrna Van Solkema; also sisters- and brothers-in-law Marilyn Alberda, Carol Helmholt, Curt Stavn, and Judy Vanarsdal. Father Don and Mother Mick opened their hearts and home to over 200 foster children over 35 years.
Mick always had a zest for life with an open heart, enriching the lives of so many through her love, grace, and depth of wisdom. This was accompanied by her hearty laughter and twinkle in her green eyes. Mick’s warm hugs, sage words, listening ear, and gift of making people feel seen, known, and loved endeared her to so many. She truly was The Champion of the unloved. Years of dementia may have stolen this for a time, but her warm smile and kind eyes remained. We are looking forward to the day when all things are made whole. Her life was an inspiration to many.
To those at Edison Christian Home, whom we entrusted to care for our wife and mom, we are grateful for your compassionate hearts and loving hands as you so faithfully cared for her these last seven years.
Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at The “Rock," 2464 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on *Friday, April 16, 2021 at First Reformed Church of Byron Center, 8425 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation from 10 - 10:45 a.m. prior to service. A livestream of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLIflB6yVM_tZUMDoNrFqrg.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Mick, contributions may be made to Edison Christian Home. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.
*Note service is FRIDAY - skipping a day between visitation and service.
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