Bernice Audrey Van Halsema Vanden Berg, affectionately known as Bernie, passed away peacefully on 11/15/2024 at the age of 97 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 9, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Tunis Vanden Berg MD, and her loving son, William Jay Vanden Berg. Her legacy continues through her children: Susan Vanden Berg and husband Steve Soper, Richard Vanden Berg and wife Dorothy Helder Vanden Berg, Joyce Caldwell and husband Avery Caldwell, and Mary Battjes and husband Jim Battjes. Bernie's life was enriched by her role as a grandmother to Christina MacDonald and husband Glen, Melissa Parker and husband Daniel, Jonathan Bergman and wife Naomi, Rachel Engels and husband Stephen, Benjamin Schaap, and Mallory Shane. Her joy multiplied as she became a great-grandmother to Kiera, Liam, Lucas, Levi, Caroline, Addie, Abe, Johanna, Eliza, Marlowe, and Elliott.

Bernie remains a treasured Mother-in-law to Carl Bergman, Steve Schaap, and Steele Shane. She is survived by brother Frank Van Halsema of Boston, MA, and sisters-in-law Gretchen Vanden Berg and Lavonne Vanden Berg, along with many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, their spouses, and in-laws: Wilhemina and Jim Quackenbush, Dick and Thea VanHalsema, Jack and Betsy DeKorne, Gerard and Fran VanHalsema, Cathy VanHalsema, John and Marian TenHave, Don and Helen VandePolder, Anne and Neil DeVries, William and Mary Beth Vanden Berg, John and Marian Vanden Berg, Len and Joyce Vanden Berg, Alyda and Bob Veenstra, Martin Vanden Berg, Gilbert (Bud) Vanden Berg, and Mary and Don Walstrom.

Bernie was one of eight children born to Rev. Emo Van Halsema (Ermelo the Netherlands) and Nellie Lucas Van Halsema (Lucas MI). The family moved to Passaic New Jersey when Bernie was young and lived there through her college days. Rev. Emo pastored the Northside Christian Reformed Church. Bernie graduated from Eastern Academy in Passaic, and from Calvin College. She married Tunis VandenBerg in 1949 and moved to Fremont Michigan for Tunis to begin his medical practice. She was involved in 2nd Fremont Christian Reformed Church and the Fremont Christian Schools, volunteering as librarian for both, and as organist and children's choir director at 2nd Fremont. She volunteered as a page at the Fremont Public Library.

Tunis and Bernie moved to Grand Rapids in 1984 where they became active members of Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church. Bernie loved her church and her church family, and served on many committees, led Bible studies, and served as both church secretary and church librarian. She always welcomed people into her home and made them feel welcome with the interest she showed in their lives.

Our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother has left a legacy of her faith to her family, and we have experienced God's blessings from generation to generation. We are thankful that her earthly suffering is over and she now enjoys a new body in Heaven. She would tell us, countless times over her last years, how blessed she was, and that she was so thankful for, and content in, God's good care for her.

Bernice's family will celebrate her life during a memorial service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, at Beckwith Hills CRC (2100 Chelsea NE, Grand Rapids, 49505) with visitation one hour prior to the service (12 pm – 1 pm). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Beckwith Hills CRC or Resonate Global Mission.