Elizabeth (Van Aken) Vincent, age 69 of Grand Rapids, MI, entered the presence of Jesus on October 14, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Beloved wife, mom, Oma, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, Seymour CRC member, neighbor, nurse colleague, cruise buddy, and so many other roles. She is loved dearly by her husband of 42 years and best friend, Tom, who she met on a blind date in July 1981, daughters Linnea (Tony) Minnema and Anneke (Justin) Lentz, grandchildren Joscelyn and Gerrit Minnema, Eddie, Amelia, and Hazel Rochin, and sweet baby Teo Lentz, born just a few hours after his Oma finished her race. Her brothers Harry (Lanita) Van Aken, John (Maggie) Van Aken, and Bill (Joanna) Van Aken; sister-in-law Carol (Jeff) Jaklinski, "chosen sister" Chris Timmer, nieces Nicky Whye and Alicia Stilwell who are both so much like their aunt Lizzy, as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other dear friends who became "chosen family" to Liz will all miss her presence here but are rejoicing that she is restore and free of her Parkinson's. She is welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents, Eddie and Edith Van Aken, her in-laws Wendell and Jennette Vincent, niece Christy Paganelli, and nephew Matt Jaklinski, and a host of other dear friends and family who are standing in line for a hug from Liz and holding an extra hot cup of coffee just for her.

A Child of God, Liz worshipped with every ounce of herself, often with her hands raised in songs of praise. She also worshipped as she served, going out of her way to include people. Her dining room table always had extra leaves to ensure there was space. She maintained many lifelong friendships that didn't let distance, long term illness, or life circumstances get in the way.

Liz was well known as a gardener, always putting great care into her plants. She always had the most beautiful flowers in her yard, transitioning seamlessly from the pink and purple spring tulips to the burgundy and gold fall chrysanthemums. She also cared for so many patients in her 35 years of work as an operating room nurse at Blodgett Hospital.

Liz was bold and approached everything in life with curiosity, not afraid of failure or embarrassment. She took on the challenge of learning to also enjoy two of Tom's favorite things, skiing and golfing, and found ways to incorporate her own style and personality into these pastimes. She was proud of her Dutch heritage and found ways to keep the culture alive for her family. Sinterklaas celebrations with chocolate letters and split pea soup on a cold winter day brought a taste of Holland to our lives. Originally from Southern California, she made Michigan her home since 1978 and brightened the lives of countless people in the process. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Seymour CRC's Christian Education Fund or the Parkinson's Foundation.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30 from 5 to 7 PM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 1, at 11 AM at Seymour CRC, 840 Alger Street SE, with one hour of visitation prior beginning at 10 AM. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.