Dorothy P. Dykstra, 91, of Holland, entered Heaven’s gates on Friday, January 25, 2019. Dorothy resided at SKLD Nursing and Rehabilitation in Zeeland with her loving husband of 71 years, Marvin Dykstra.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Phillips, and great-grandson Julian Eskes.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Marvin; children Laurel (Vern) Eskes, Mary (Dennis) Smith, Janice (Tom) DeVries; grandchildren Shane (Bobbi) Eskes, Jonathan (Dana) Eskes, Michele (Ben) Randle, Michael (Kristen) Smith, Tom (Lyndsi) DeVries, Jennifer (Brent) Kendall, Christina (Chris) Tempero; and by 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by her sister, Alma Borgman, and brothers and sister-in-laws Esther Dykstra, Earl and Lois Dykstra, Bob Busscher, and Bob Dykstra.
Dorothy had an unwavering faith in God and was a member of Christ Memorial Church for almost 50 years. She showed her love for Jesus in everything she did! And, WOW, did Dorothy do a lot in her 91 years of life. She was a beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. And when her own daughters were no longer babies, she became a dedicated foster mother to many, many more children, who she loved as her very own.
Every day, Dorothy’s kitchen was a flurry of activity. Marvin would plant a huge, annual garden and from the first sugar peas to the last squash, mom washed, cooked, canned, and froze every bit of that garden. When she had too much food, she shared with neighbors, family and strangers. Dorothy was an amazing seamstress, making her daughters clothes, and even wedding dresses. Her fingers were never idle and when she would finally sit at night, out would come the needles creating gorgeous afghans for every family member and baby blankets for every new arrival. Hats, mittens, scarves, were made by the hundreds and donated to schools, shelters, and missions, and many children in this community went home from the hospital with one of her knitted newborn baby hats. She truly touched so many lives in a positive way, showing us all how to “love well” with the grace of her loving Heavenly Father.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St, Holland. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given to The Tempero Family YWAM,
YWAM - The Tempero Family c/o Jennifer Kendall 3367 S. Hillsdale Drive West Valley, UT 84119 or Hospice of Holland. Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Dykstra family.
