Willempje Durkin

Willempje (Willie) Durkin (nee Van Schellen) entered Heaven November 28, 2022 at age 104. Willie was born May 12, 1918, in Dieren, Netherlands. She was the youngest of five children and came to America, by boat, at age 10 with her family. Willie always remembered how big and beautiful the Statue of Liberty was as they reached their destination. Her family settled in Detroit, Michigan where she met and married William (Bill) Durkin Jan 25, 1940. Bill and Willie made their home in Wyoming, Michigan where they raised two daughters, Loretta and Shirley. At age 95, Willie moved to Missoula, Montana to be closer to her daughter and family.

Her greatest joy was playing cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called her Grannie. They always accused her of cheating because she won so often! She loved her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews immensely. Grannie loved her family, and she loved Jesus. She will be greatly missed!

Those preceding her in death are her husband, Bill; daughter, Loretta; brothers Bill, John, Bert; and sister, Rena. She leaves behind daughter, Shirley (Jim) Goudzwaard; two grandchildren Michael (Jennifer) Goudzwaard and Kristen (Ryan) DeLashmutt; four great-grandchildren Chloe (Anthony) Binggeli, Tyler (Anjelica) DeLashmutt, Zachary DeLashmutt, Jacob Goudzwaard; and great-great-granddaughter, Kinley Marie DeLashmutt.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eighth Reformed Church Radio Fund of Wyoming, Michigan, or Partners in Home Care. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.