Hilda Zwaagman

Hilda Grace Zwaagman, age 96, went home to be with her Lord on June 19, 2016. Hilda was born August 25, 1919 in Portage, MI, the daughter of Ike and Mina (Sootsman) Tillema and was a lifelong Portage resident. On August 29, 1941 she was united in marriage to William H. "Bud" Zwaagman. Hilda was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church of Portage where she was currently the second oldest member. She was a longtime dedicated employee of the J.C. Penney Company, retiring at the age of 83 following 48 years of service. The most important part of her life was caring for her family, especially her grandchildren. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband Bud on August 26, 1979. She was also preceded by her parents; by a great-great-granddaughter Hailey Grace Brown; by an infant brother Jacob Tillema; by a brother Gerald Tillema; and by in-laws, Cornelia Tillema and Hank Griffioen. Surviving are two daughters, Janice (Bion) Schuring and Marcia (John) Byholt; grandchildren, Jeff Schuring, Julie (David) Hoeksema, Jamie (Kelly) Schuring, John (Amie) Byholt, Jr., Lisa (Ryan) Brown and Tom Byholt (Sarah Davis); 11 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sister, Donald (Eleanor) Tillema, Henrietta Griffioen and Jay (Beverly) Tillema; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Thursday June 23rd at the First Reformed Church of Portage (7905 S. Westnedge Ave.) with Pastor Clayton Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Wednesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. and at the church one hour prior to service time. Interment will be in Portage Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hilda's memory may be directed to the First Reformed Church of Portage (Nativity Scene Fund).