Obituary

Following is Debbie's obituary and details of arrangements. This was kind of hard to write, as the reality sets in...

Debra Jean Hoksbergen was born on June 28, 1955. Her life ended on February 21, 2016. While the end of her life was very difficult, she can be honored and remembered in countless joyful ways. Her life was complemented by the gifts God granted to her, and she used those blessings to live life to the fullest.

From an early age, she enjoyed the gift of music and spent countless hours playing the piano with a passion that rang to the heavens. Her family and friends were at the core of her life and she enjoyed them all. Deb cared deeply for the people she knew by extending a hand of welcome, evaluating cuts or a possible broken arm, and wrapping arms around you during hard times. She enjoyed her nursing career and provided care over many years in surgery, neonatal, labor and delivery, endoscopy, and birthing classes. Deb's incredible work ethic was evident whether caring for patients or completing any project with which she was involved.

She had a deep love for her husband and children, her parents and siblings, and for all people she encountered in life. Many years ago Deb had to endure the loss of three infants. Jason Brandon, Megan Leigh, and Grant, who were born with Potter’s Syndrome and died shortly after birth. So the treasure of life took on special meaning when we were blessed with 3 healthy and thriving children.

Dear wife of 41 years to Stan. Loving Mom of Ross (Rumy), Alden (Mary) and Mieke (Aaron) Mutschler. Proud Grandma of Ainsley and George Hoksbergen, Lorelei Mutschler and number four, a grandson soon to be born to Ross and Rumy. Deb had a deep desire to meet this little one, but will now get to witness this from heaven.

Beloved daughter of Jim and Sylvia Vermeulen and daughter in law of Shirley Hoksbergen. Cherished sister of Krista (Tim) Schaafsma, Jim (Nancy) Vermeulen, and Ken (Shelly) Vermeulen.

Deb had a special smile. As her family and friends viewed this smile, they could sense a love that transcends any words.

After the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, Deb battled 4 1/2 years in which she had the deepest level of pain but the highest level of perseverance.

God takes home a soul, the world loses a friend, the husband loses a love, the children lose a mother and the grandchildren lose a mentor. However, we all gained the gift of a person that was special in so many ways.

To celebrate the gift of Deb's life, a service will be held at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd. Holland, MI 49424 at 11 AM on Saturday, February 27. Visitation will also be at Beechwood on Friday from 3-5 PM and 6-9 PM.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423, or Beacon Ministries c/o Beechwood Church, (Deb helped co-found this organization, which provides free baby items to local migrant families).

To share a memory please visit vermeulenfuneralhome.com