Obituary Jane Elizabeth Zwiers (Hofstra), of Grand Rapids, Michigan returned to her Maker on May 4, surrounded by her family. She was born December 8th, 1945 in Lansing, Illinois to the late Oscar and Betty (Kostelyk) Hofstra. She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Kip) Horton, Jennifer (David) Van Dyke, Bill (Anita) Zwiers and their father Marvin, sister Cynthia Abraham, brother-in-law John Waanders, and sister-in-law Gertrude Zwiers.
She was also blessed with six grandchildren, Kelvin and Kody Horton, Katie and Gabriel Van Dyke, and Olivia and Peter Zwiers. She was preceded in death by her sister Judy Waanders and brother-in-law Thomas Abraham. She was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, mother, grandmother, and lifelong educator.
She held a love of literature as well as people. She graduated from Illiana Christian High School in Lansing, IL in 1963 and from Calvin College in 1967. After completing her Master’s degrees in English and Library Sciences, she held a career in public and Christian education for over 30 years including 22 years at Unity Christian in Hudsonville.
She loved having “adventures” including traveling internationally, camping as much as possible every summer, and relaxing at the lake. Although she volunteered her time with many organizations, her biggest passion was caring for her children and grandchildren. For 23 years she drove her grandchildren to practices and attended their performances, always challenging and encouraging them.
She was their biggest cheerleader. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 9, 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, with Rev. Tim Tuthill officiating.
Visitation will be held at church on Wednesday, May 8, from 5 to 8 PM and Thursday, May 9, from 10 to 11 AM prior to the service. Inurnment Lake Forest Cemetery. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please send donations to Justice For Our Neighbors www.
jfonmi.org/donate To send flowers to the family of Jane Elizabeth Zwiers, please visit Tribute Store. Events May8 Visitation Wednesday, May 08, 2019 5:00PM – 8:00PM First United Methodist Church 227 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Jane’s Visitation. Guaranteed delivery before Jane’s Visitation begins.
May9 Visitation Thursday, May 09, 2019 10:00AM – 11:00AM First United Methodist Church 227 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Jane’s Visitation. Guaranteed delivery before Jane’s Visitation begins. May9 Service Thursday, May 09, 2019 11:00AM First United Methodist Church 227 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Jane’s Service.
Guaranteed delivery before Jane’s Service begins.
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