Andrea Huistra

HUISTRA, ANDREA MARY Andrea Mary Huistra, age 63, lost her battle with brain cancer and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 5, 2012. Ann's strong faith in her Lord and her enormous love for her family gave her the will and determination to fight her illness. While we grieve, we know that she is healed and whole again. Our memories and love for her will be with us until we meet again in Heaven through the gift of God's grace. She wrote the following obituary for herself: She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Dan Huistra; beautiful and devoted daughters, Jill (Troy) Austin and Karen (Derek Humke) Huistra; precious and cherished grandchildren, Luke, Lexie, and Kylee Austin; caring and loving mother, Dorothy Olah; wonderful sisters and brother-in-law, Jan Paris, Nancy and Mike Poliski; and many treasured nieces and nephews; loyal and lifelong friends, Pam (Ranson) Sietsema, and Ann (Lass) Tobin, who were with her every step of the way; her dear friends, Lorraine Lemmen, Judy Langerak, Terry Zandbergen; and all of her dear friends from Zion Reformed Church who faithfully kept her in their prayers. She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Olah. Rather than saying "goodbye" I want to say "thank you" to everyone. Thank you for each and every prayer that was ever said for me. Thank you for your love and great big hugs. Thank you for the beautiful smiles. Thank you for asking Jesus to put His arms around me and hold me close. Funeral services will be held Thursday 1:00 pm at Zion Reformed Church, 4457 36th St. SW, Grandville with Pastor Greg Brower officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. In lieu of flowers, I would love my family and friends to donate money for the wonderful Christian education of my dear grandchildren, Luke, Lexie, and Kylee Austin. Please make checks payable to Grandville Christian School-TAP Fund. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.