Sandra Joldersma

Sandy fought the good fight and peacefully passed into Heaven on May 17 with her family by her side after battling several chronic health conditions. She is now with her son and family who preceded her in death; parents Ralph and Mildred (Haas) Dertien, son Mike Joldersma, brothers Tom and Roger Dertien, and brother-in-law Roger Haveman, Sr. Sandy is very dearly missed by her sister Jan Haveman, sisters-in-law Candy and Jan Dertien, son James Joldersma II (Amy), daughter Kim DeRoos (Russ), son Marc Joldersma (Pam), eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, several dear friends, and her best furry friend, Susie.

Earlier in life, Sandy was CNA at Butterworth and later a baker at Forest Hills Public Schools, which allowed her to keep a much-needed close eye on her sons and daughter, who she mostly raised as a single mom. She loved spending time with family and often reminded her kids to look out for one another and stick together (especially when running from police). Whenever possible, Sandy would add a chair to the kitchen table for whoever needed a hot meal and a hug. In her free time, Sandy enjoyed spending time with her family and grandkids, camping, swimming, reading, and playing with her many dogs over the years. Faith and church were important factors in Sandy’s life even before her years as a Sunday School teacher, so much so that last Christmas, she gifted a new Bible to every member of the family (John 3:16 and Phil 4:16). Sandy always had a goofy and sometimes naughty sense of humor, and if she didn’t make the joke, she most surely was thinking it. “All stuff is small stuff - don’t sweat the small stuff."

When you remember Sandy, do as she always did - tell your family you love them, always hug them, and pray for them. Secondly, always look to help someone - hold a door, mentor a child, donate to a cause close to your heart; as Sandy demonstrated, help can come in many forms.

2 Corinthians 5:8