Lorrie took the final trip on her bucket list early Sunday morning, May 31, 2026, when she made the journey to Heaven. She lived her final months at peace after being diagnosed with cancer, sad to leave her family and friends but grateful for the life she had lived.

Lorraine (Van Essen) VanderArk was born August 21, 1940 and married her partner in all things, David, on August 10, 1961. Together, Dave and Lorrie raised their daughters Lies and Jane, and shared a passion for travel, symphony, and opera, and their love for the Lord. Lorrie will be remembered for her exuberance and generosity in showing Christ's hospitality to all.

After earning her degree in education at Calvin University, Lorrie shared her love of learning as a teacher and librarian at West Side Christian School. She also served many roles at church and with non-profit organizations.

Lorrie is survived by her husband Dave and children and grandchildren Lies and Jim Garner, Lia Garner, Anneliese Garner, and fiancé Hawken Paul; Jane and Derek Ottens, Otto Ottens, Hendrik Ottens, and Kees Ottens. She also leaves behind her sister Esther and Jim Ritsema and siblings-in-law Jan Heerspink and Pete and Judy Vander Ark, plus many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Those wishing to memorialize Lorrie may make contributions to the "Lorraine VanderArk Education Scholarship" at Calvin University, Opera Grand Rapids, or LaGrave CRC.

Visitation will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE) from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, June 4. A Celebration of Lorrie's Life will be held on Friday, at 11 am on Friday, June 5 at LaGrave Christian Reformed Church (107 LaGrave Avenue SE).

The service will be live-streamed on LaGrave's website: https://lagrave.org/live/