Nella Kay Visser (DeVries) passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, following a courageous ten-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Nella was born to Jacob and Katherine DeVries and was the youngest of her siblings Harv, Ed, and Ruth and grew up in a loving home on Crosby Street NW. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School in the class of 1964, she enjoyed working her first job as a dental assistant.

Soon after, Nella met the love of her life, Jack Visser. They were introduced by Jim and Mary Tietsma, and their first date was at the Knife and Fork restaurant in the downtown Grand Rapids Pantlind Hotel. They were married on March 17, 1967, at Seventh Reformed Church, where they were both members.

Within their first year of marriage, they welcomed their daughter, Kathleen Nell, followed three and a half years later by Kristen Lorraine. Her two girls were Nella’s pride and joy. One of her favorite pastimes was sewing, and she especially loved making matching outfits for her daughters. Her love of sewing was nurtured by her sister Ruth and their sewing group that enjoyed many trips to fabric stores together. Over the years, Nella's sewing talents grew, and she eventually designed and made Kathy’s wedding dress, a truly special labor of love.

A dedicated homemaker, Nella was also an exceptional baker. Her nearly famous chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and fabulous sour cherry pie were favorites among family and friends. She also enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life. When she wasn't in the kitchen or at her sewing machine, she loved being outdoors. Some of her favorite pastimes were taking walks, bike rides, gardening, boating, playing tennis, golfing, and reading.

After spending many summers at Silver Lake, Jack and Nella eventually decided to make it their permanent home. Silver Lake became the backdrop for countless cherished memories, as their children and grandchildren enjoyed time together on the water and playing in the sand.

During their retirement years, Jack and Nella spent their winters at Highland Woods in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they made many wonderful friendships. They enjoyed Saturday golf outings with friends, participating in tennis leagues, riding their bikes, taking drives to the beach, and attending car shows in their beloved 1958 Corvette.

Above all, Nella’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She spent countless hours in prayer for those she loved and devoted herself to various Bible studies throughout the years. Many of her closest friendships were formed through her church community. She faithfully worshipped at Seventh Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Rockford Springs Community Church, and First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs. Nella loved Jesus Christ and firmly believed He was her Lord and Savior. Her faith guided her life and was a source of strength and comfort throughout her journey.

Nella had a heart of gold and was a wonderful friend to so many. Even during the final year of her life, she continued to build meaningful relationships with friends at Covenant Living and the many compassionate caregivers who worked around the clock to provide her with exceptional care. A special and heartfelt thank-you to Nella’s caregiving team: Olivia Yoemans, Star Sikora, Christine Sikora, Becky Oleneack, Andrea Rucker, Margaret Erickson, and many other special caregivers. Their kindness, dedication and love meant so much to Nella and her family.

Nella leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, friendship, and treasured family memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Katherine DeVries; her brother, Harv (Marilyn) DeVries; and in-laws, Gerrit and Geneva Visser, Dale Visser, and Bruce and Ginny Visser.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Jack Visser; their daughters, Kathy (Eric) Wynsma and Kris (Mark) Kennedy; and their beloved grandchildren, Ella (Connor) Baker, Murphy Wynsma, Vivian Kennedy, Jack Kennedy, and Genevieve Wynsma. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Bob) Waalkes; her brother, Ed (Dort) DeVries; her sister-in-law, Marcia Visser; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 14 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford, MI 49341, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Rockford Springs Community Church or Covenant Living of the Great Lakes.