Dorothy Jean Schoonejongen

Dorothy Jean Schoonejongen (nee Van Hassent), age 93, formerly of Ellenton, Florida, passed away on Tuesday June 12, 2018, at the Rehabilitation Center at Wedgewood Gardens in Freehold Township, N.J. Mrs. Schoonejongen was born February 24, 1925, in Howard, N.Y., living and working on a farm there until she graduated high school and moved to Paterson, N.J. There she worked as a secretary and met her husband, the Rev. Dr. Cornelius E. Schoonejongen, to whom she was married for 68 years until his death in 2015. Mrs. Schoonejongen served with her husband in churches in Marlton, N.J., Port Chester, N.Y., and Bridgeton, N.J., until their retirement in 1989. During this time, she worked as a secretary and administrative assistant for a number of companies and law offices. Mrs. Schoonejongen was a past president of the American Baptist Women of New Jersey and the American Baptist Women of Southern New York, and led workshops in seminars at retreat facilities in New Jersey and Green Lake, Wisconsin. Following her retirement, she and her husband began to hold church services in their community of Terra Siesta in Ellenton, Florida. Mrs. Schoonejongen played the organ and piano and directed a community women’s chorus there. She was an avid golfer, playing two to three times a week, even after turning 90. Dr. and Mrs. Schoonejongen were known by many as caring, giving people who tried in all situations to live out their faith in simple but profound ways. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Schoonejongen is predeceased by her parents, Garrett and Louise Van Hassent; a sister, Viola Gladwin; three brothers, Russell Koert, John Van Hassent and Gerard Van Hassent; and a son, Ralph D. Schoonejongen. Mrs. Schoonejongen is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Ronald J. and Anita of Tucson, Arizona, and C. John and Nina Rizzo of Millstone Township, N.J.; a sister and brother-in-law, Trudy and Chester Hendricks of Horseheads, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Jesse (Alecia), Jennifer, Mark (Amber), Hendrick and Sophie; seven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends; and a beloved caretaker, Shelly Garcia Colondres of Bradenton, Florida. A short prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at the First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main Street, Freehold, N.J. Those who cannot attend because of distance or previous commitments are asked only to take a moment to remember and celebrate Mrs. Schoonejongen’s life and Christian witness. A memorial service will be held in Ellenton, Florida, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Tidewell Hospice, 4151 37th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DEliaFuneralHome.com for the Schoonejongen family.