Alberta Vander Zee

Alberta Vander Zee, nee Zylstra, age 90, of South Holland, IL, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020.  Beloved wife of Andrew Vander Zee.  Loving mother of Deanne (John) Dykstra, Marilyn (Tom) Fast, Don (Jackie) Vander Zee, Alison (Dave) Veurink, and Jan (Mark) DeMars. Devoted grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a brother late Gerald (late Shirley) Zylstra and two sisters the late Pearl (late Howard) VanderLinde, an infant sister the late Alberta, and her parents Gerrit and Winnie Zylstra.  Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Alberta was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Monday, August 31, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL with Rev. Daniel Svendsen officiating.  A burial service will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Illiana Christian High School , The Luke Society , or Elim Christian Services .  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com

To know Alberta Vander Zee and her life is to know of her love and appreciation of fine quilts.  Her life can be looked at like a beautiful quilt, well designed with patterns and colors by the Master Creator.  Alberta’s life journey began on July 3, 1930.   God’s design, in the first, large piece of her life- quilt included her parents, Garret and Winnie Zylstra and her sister Pearl, and brother, Gerald. Being the youngest, Alberta had to entertain herself and so she practiced piano and did a lot of handwork.  She grew up in Roseland and was involved in the church and community, where she made life-long friends.  She attended Christian School and graduated from Pullman Tech, where she received highest honors in typing.  She was trained as a secretary and worked for the Illinois Central Railroad.

God added additional color in Alberta’s life-quilt by stitching her together in marriage to Andy VanderZee on August 6, 1954.  Together they raised five children and enjoyed the schedules of sports, music and a life marked by activities of a busy family.   Alberta was a wonderful manager of her household; both she and Andy regularly enjoyed entertaining.  Most Sundays, you would find them gathered together with various family over delicious meals.    The excitement and adventure of travel also blessed their lives.  They enjoyed cruises and warm climates, especially when paired with a Bible Conference.   Her life-quilt was further highlighted by interesting people they met and visited with along the way.  Alberta was a faithful and loving wife to Andrew for 66 years.

Alberta’s interest in sewing, quilting and cooking added a unique pattern to her life quilt.  She used her skills to serve in different capacities and places throughout her life.   She served on the Holland Home gift shop.  She led the the Ladies’ Society at church, and she and Andrew hosted many small group Bible studies in their home. She also served on the funeral lunch committee.   She also participated in community ladies’ Bible studies.  She enjoyed attending the Quilters’ Guild meetings as well as different concerts throughout her lifetime.

Alberta’s life quilt continues to expand with the addition of the spouses of her grandchildren, and  recently, additional great- grandchildren.  She was a loving grandmother and prayed for the salvation of her family.   Her faith was very important to her and she loved listening to sermons on her tablet.  Her reading and listening added knowledge and depth of insight to her faith.   She often blessed others with encouragement and thoughtful words.

Together, Alberta and Andrew built their home on the teaching of the Bible and lived out their faith.  Alberta used her gifts and talents to serve the Lord by serving the people in her life.     She trusted Jesus as her Savior and Lord--the author and perfecter of her faith.  Her faith and love are the threads that tie her life quilt together.

Alberta’s quilt is now a keepsake in our memories. She went home to glory on August 28, 2020.  Thanks be to God for a faithful wife, mother and grandmother.