Tracey Deborah Aardema

LIFESTORY:

Tracey Deborah Aardema always kept her family in the center of her thoughts. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma who found her greatest moments of happiness in the company of her family, and each day she shared her good spirits with the many people she loved.

With the First World War quickly approaching its climax, the year 1917 marked an uncertain time in the history of the United States. While the country anxiously awaited a resolution to the war, John Mokma and his wife Gertrude Vanden Bosch maintained their positive spirits by focusing on the blessings in their life together. On February 25, 1917, they welcomed their daughter Tracey Deborah into their home in Holland, Michigan.

The second of five children, Tracey enjoyed a happy childhood with the company of her older sister Louisa and her younger siblings John, Marvin, and Eleanor. During her childhood, and throughout the rest of her life, Tracey was very devoted to her brothers and sisters, especially Louisa. Tracey attended Holland High School, where she graduated with the class of 1935.

On November 19, 1937, Tracey married the love of her life, a handsome young man named Joseph Aardema. But shortly after their marriage, the Second World War broke out. Joseph joined the Royal Dutch Air Force and was soon shipped to London. Fortunately, Joseph safely returned home from the war. Upon returning to Holland, he began working for General Motors. While he commuted to and from Grand Rapids each day, Tracey stayed at home to attend to their growing family.

Tracey and Joseph were blessed with three wonderful children, Thomas, Jack, and Robert, who they raised in a small, two-bedroom bungalow in Waukazoo Woods on the north side of Holland. As the mother of three boys, Tracey always had her hands full. There was nothing feminine or dainty around the house. Even dinner took on a masculine edge, as the boys would sometimes bring home small game that she dutifully tried her best to turn into a tasty meal. Tracey worked as a cook for Waukazoo School while her boys were attending, and so she often brought home a dessert treat. Apple crisp was one of the boys' favorites.

In 1962 the Aardema family moved to a slightly larger house on Ottawa Beach Road. This house provided the setting for many Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. As a mother who never believed in favorites, Tracey always gave each son black socks for Christmas. Ultimately, she stock-piled her gift-giving urges for her grandchildren and great-grandkids, all of whom were slathered with love, affection, and plenty of "goody bags."

As Tracey grew older, she was pleased to see her family grow through marriages and the blessing of grandkids. Tracey readily accepted her daughters-in-law. She was known to say "Hello, my Judy," whenever Thomas's wife called on the phone. Tracey loved to spend time with all of her family, even the more colorful characters like her sisters-in-law. Her grandchildren especially brought her joy, and she cherished every moment that she spent in their company.

After Joseph retired, he and Tracey found more time to spend together. They went on many camping adventures and even traveled to Europe. Tracey also visited Hawaii, though she was not accompanied by Joseph, who sadly passed away on November 22, 1980.

In the year 1997 Tracey moved to Rest Haven Warm Friend, where she enjoyed some of her happiest days. Tracey loved the staff, and she found time to devote to her two favorite passions: cooking and crossword puzzles. She also kept busy by actively volunteering. Her favorite "job" was at the residents' store where she enjoyed socializing. Tracey formed many close friendships with fellow residents and staff members alike.

In both her times of struggle and times of triumph, Tracey remained a committed, unwavering member in her congregation at Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church for over sixty years. She was a positive woman with a cheerful outlook, who always kept her eye on the many blessings in her life. Tracey was a beloved wife, mother, and grandma who truly enjoyed all the time that she spent with her family. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, Tracey will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Tracey died peacefully at Holland Hospice House on Wednesday November 2, 2005. Tracey was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Aardema Jr. on November 22, 1980; her sister, Louisa Gertrude Vanden Brink and brothers, John L. Mokma and Lawrence Marvin Mokma. She is survived by one sister, Eleanor Wilma Mae (Mokma) Glupker; her children, Thomas and Judith (DeWitt) Aardema of Kalamazoo, Jack and Maggie (Fonvielle) Aardema of Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Robert and Bonnie (Timmer) Aardema of Kalamazoo; and her six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 3:00pm at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W Lakewood Blvd with Rev. Michael De Vries and Rev. Paul Brink officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a gift be made in Tracey's honor to Hospice of Holland or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Mulder Chapel. Please visit Tracey's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or post a memorial contribution.