Christine Eilander Briggs

Christine Eilander Briggs, age 92, of Holland went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on January 7, 2015. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Christine was born in Chicago on May 24, 1922 to Martin & Nancy Vanderwall- Helmus. She married Leonard Eilander in 1948 and moved to Holland, Michigan. Christine was preceded in death by Leonard Eilander in 1972. She married Dr. Stanford Briggs in 1978.

Music was Christine’s life and special gift beginning with her early years in the Chicago community & churches and continuing throughout her life. She will be remembered by many through her contribution of music at the Zeeland & Holland skating rinks in the late 1940’s & 1950’s, providing special music at countless events over the years & playing with the Noteblenders Harmonica Band for many years. She was a charter member of Grace Reformed Church of Holland & was the church organist & pianist there for 50 years. Christine lived a life of giving through her music, her donations, her time and opening her home over the years to many in need. She also reached out and gave to family & many others through her other love—cooking & baking. Others may remember her through the MESC where she was employed for over 20 years.

Christine was preceded in death by her sons Robert Eilander and James Eilander. She is survived by many family members including her husband of 36 years, Stan, her children: Melodie (Paul) Eilander-Overbeek, Lorelei (Tal) Eilander-Taylor, Michael (Kim)Eilander and Kerry (Mike) Eilander-Metzelaars; grandchildren: Kristina (Jim) Carson, Anthony (Brenda) Overbeek, Lena Koke, Paul Koke, Brett Eilander (Annie), Corbin Eilander, Joshua Boeve (Gwen), Cody Boeve, Jared Boeve; and great grandchildren: Magdalen Maat, Jocelyn Maat, Kaden Maat, Elliot Overbeek, Tessa Overbeek, & Mae Ellen Boeve, a sister in law Jean Helmus and several other special nieces, nephews & cousins. She is also survived by step-children: Sue Derghwagen, Mary Mayone (Gary) & Patricia Hotz (Brad) and many step-grandchildren & great grandchildren.

A funeral service to celebrate Christine’s life will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, at Intersection Ministries (Grace Community Church), 945 136th Avenue with Rev. Jeff Meyer officiating.

Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 pm, Friday (today) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue.

At Christine’s request, memorial donations may be made to the Spring Lake International Aid. A special thanks to her long term doctor, Dr. Young and the many staff at Freedom Inn of Holland.