Obituaries

Johanna Elizabeth Mast, (nee: VanderSpek) aged 93, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, July 23, 2012. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Henry Mast, Sr., seven children: Cornelius (Nancy), Jacob (Deborah), Henry Jr. (Connie), Margaret (Bill) King, William (Mary), Joan Low, and Joyce (Gerrit) Tromp; 10 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Aletta (Cornelius) VanderSpek of Ontario, Canada; brothers and sisters-in-law, Neal (Jacoba) of Grand Rapids, Willem (Lien), Jan (Heiltje), Dick (Joann) and Piet (Riet) Mast of the Netherlands. Johanna was preceded in death by 10 siblings. Johanna and Henry were married in Zevenhuizen, The Netherlands in 1942 and immigrated to America via the SS Nieuw Amsterdam in July 1948 with their three oldest sons. We remember Johanna for her warmth, humor, generosity, and love. The family expresses their deep gratitude to all who lovingly cared for Johanna in her final years and days. Funeral services will be held Thursday 1:30 p.m. at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE) with Rev. Joel Beeke officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral chapel Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.