Bertha Hellenga ’47 Woudwyk

Bertha Elaine Woudwyk has experienced the realization of her faith of so many years and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was the beloved mother of four, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29. Bertha passed away at the age of 98 in her home in Byron Center on August 28, 2019. Born on July 27, 1921 to parents Samuel and Anna Hellenga, she grew up in Allegan, Michigan, and studied at Hope College where she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in teaching in 1947.

Bertha taught elementary school in Byron Center, Hamilton and Jenison, Michigan, for over 31 years while also raising her own four children. Bertha was a member of Heritage Christian Reformed Church.

Bertha joins her beloved husband, Maynard Woudwyk, in heaven along with her brother, Fred. She is survived by her four children Christine (Lowell) VanOs, Joel Woudwyk, Alvin (Linda) Woudwyk, Anita (DJ) Atchison, and LaVonna Stempin, who was like a daughter to Bertha.