Mary Lynn Renkema, age 79, of Holland, Michigan, was born March 15, 1947, in Holland, and passed away July 13, 2026. Raised in Holland her entire life, Mary attended and graduated from Holland Christian, carrying forward a steady, faithful spirit that would shape her days and the way she cared for others.
After graduation, Mary worked at an office until her first child, later and she devoted much of her working life to Calvary C.A.M.P., where she served for more than 20 years as an assistant pre-school teacher. In that role, she offered the kind of patient presence and dependable kindness that leaves a lasting imprint—quietly, consistently, and with genuine care.
On March 31, 1966, Mary married the love of her life, Lloyd Renkema. Before Mary’s passing, they shared 59 wonderful years together. Together they welcomed four beautiful children and raised their family in a home devoted to Jesus Christ, loving their family immensely. Their lives also held deep sorrow with the loss of their second child, a grief felt for many years. Yet through every season, Mary’s devotion to her family remained constant. Each year, Mary, Lloyd, and the children made a trip to the lake cottage in Lake City—memories that will be held close for generations. Mary and Lloyd also treasured their yearly six-week trip to Florida, where they met up with friends and made new ones.
Mary was a woman of God and a regular attendee of Calvary Reformed Church on 8th. She was part of the church choir, and she loved to sing Hallelujah Chorus which held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed cross-stitch, crafting, and her beloved chicken décor, and she delighted in trips to “Amish country” and to Shipshewana. Even with her many interests, Mary always made time to play the piano, and she often taught others how to play—sharing music in a way that was both generous and quietly joyful.
Mary is survived by her husband, Lloyd Renkema; her children, Kristi (William) Van Loo, Matt (Barb) Renkema, and Beth Lewis; and her grandchildren, Anthony McCarty, Avery McCarty, Lexi Renkema, Will Renkema, Payton Lewis, and Reese Lewis. Mary is also survived by her nieces and nephews, numerous in-laws, many grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Renkema; her grandchild, Abigail Lewis; her sister-in-law, Mary DeBoer; as well as a few of her other in-laws too.
Memorial visitation will be held at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 E 8th St, Holland, Michigan 49423, on July 18, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
A funeral service will be held at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 E 8th St, Holland, Michigan 49423, on July 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
A graveside service will be held at Pilgrim Home Cemetery (370 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423) following the service.
