Edith E. Vanderwerp

Edith Emily (DeKraker) Vanderwerp
Edith died on August 6, 2020 at Macon Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin, North Carolina.
She was born on August 24, 1923 to Peter DeKraker and Gertrude (Douma) DeKraker in Holland, Michigan. In high school she participated in Dutch dances during the annual Tulip Festival. She graduated from Holland High School in June 1941. She then went to business school in Holland, MI to learn secretarial skills.
After graduating she was the first woman from Holland to enlist in the US Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS) and served from 1943-1946.  While in the Coast Guard SPARS she served in Philadelphia for the captains of the ships.
After discharge she moved to Chicago and worked as a secretary in various offices.
She married George Frank Vanderwerp in Holland, Michigan on June 12, 1954 at Trinity Reformed Church. The couple moved to Marion, Indiana where their 2 children were born. They moved several times with many years in Glen Ellen, IL, Bloomington, IN, Lebanon, IN and Lafayette, IN. Her favorite place to live, however, was Franklin, NC. She spent many happy years there being very active in her church (Grace Presbyterian Church), the Nantahala Hiking Club and working and crafting for Maco Crafts. She loved to quilt, sew and knit and was always ready for a hike or a new adventure.
She is survived by her daughter Mary Vanderwerp (Richard Ball), her son John Vanderwerp (Melissa Brown), 1 grandchild, 1 great grandchild and her sisters Joan Dresselhouse and Charlotte DeKraker.
A small private burial will be held in Franklin, NC.
In Edith’s memory donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Vanderwerp family. Online condolences can be made at www.bryantgrantfuneral home.com

 

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