Jennie Kuperus

Jennie (Jantje) Kuperus (nee De Boer), aged 91 of Jenison, Michigan, left her earthly home and entered into eternal life December 9, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Fred (Foppe) Kuperus; infant great-granddaughter, Jael Meyers; parents Hendrik and Grietje De Boer; and sisters Grietje (Albert) Regelink and Tryntje (Sid) Harkema; brothers- and sisters-in-law John (Trina) Kuperus, Grace (John) De Vries, Henry (Thea) Kuperus, and Frank Kuperus.

Jennie will be deeply missed by her children Henriet (Jim) Meyers, Betty (Michael) Epperly, Cindy Kuperus, Tracy Kuperus (Matthew Heun), and Mike (LeRae) Kuperus; grandchildren Dan (Lynette) Meyers, Kristen (Rob) Hanley, and Tim (Summer) Meyers, Josh (Kira), Jacob, and Rachel Epperly, Mark and Catherine Heun, and Miles and Clay Kuperus; brother-in-law, Harry (Jan) Kuperus; sister-in-law, Janet Kuperus; and many nieces and nephews. Jennie was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her great-grandson, due in March 2023.

Jennie was born March 9, 1931 in the Netherlands. Along with her sisters, she helped her parents on the family’s dairy farm and, after completing eighth grade, worked for various families as a “mother’s helper” and farmhand. Despite the challenges that her family faced during the depression and World War II, Jennie adapted to circumstances. She embraced work with determination and grew a strong faith in God. In 1955, she immigrated to Canada, working as a nanny and hospital aide. She married Fred in 1960, and they settled in Blairstown, New Jersey, where their five children were born. In 1971, they purchased a farm in Ravenna, Michigan, where Jennie worked alongside Fred as an equal partner. She was a thrifty, cheerful wife and a devoted mother. Jennie knitted and sewed clothing for her family; she loved board games and became a loyal Detroit Tigers fan. She played hymns on the family’s organ, singing along joyfully in her Dutch brogue.

Jennie and Fred retired to Jenison, Michigan in 1988. They immersed themselves in volunteer work at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church and organizations such as God’s Kitchen and Friendship Ministries. Jennie was a loving, playful grandmother. In 2015, she moved to Sunset Manor in Jenison. She was an avid reader, and read the Bible cover-to-cover several times. Although she had dementia later in life, her precious spirit remained intact, as well as her quick wit. She retained her staunch independence as much as possible, but was quick to express gratitude for even the smallest kindness when assistance was necessary.

Mom’s motto in life was, “Take it as it comes.” She graciously accepted circumstances that she could not control with honor and dignity, without complaint. Our mother was content with a simple life; she saw wonder in the ordinary and met each day with childlike joy. We will miss her tender heart, her quiet courage, and hearty laughter. She set an example of a strong work ethic and humility, and modeled what it means to be God’s servant. Above all, Mom possessed a deep integrity and unwavering faith. In all things, she believed that God would be her guide, and she gave Him all the glory. Her faith will forever remain as a legacy.

A celebration of Jennie’s life will take place 3 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI. Visitation will take place before the service, from 2-3 p.m. Our family would like to thank the Sunset Reflections staff, who took care of Mom with compassion, patience and grace. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Benevolence Fund, Sunset Manor, 725 Baldwin St., Jenison MI 49428. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.