Pearl Sytsma

Pearl Sytsma, age 95 of Randolph, died on Monday, November 09, 2009 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital.

Pearl was born on September 2, 1914 in Randolph, a daughter of Albert and Gertie (Hoekstra) Homan. Pearl graduated from Randolph High School with the Class of 1933. On October 30, 1941 she was united in marriage to Robert Sytsma in Randolph. Pearl was employed with the J I Jones Pharmacy in Randolph, assisting the Pharmacist. Following the closing of Mr. Jones business, she worked for the Randolph Pharmacy, retiring in 2003. Pearl was an active lifelong member of the First Randolph Reformed Church, where she sang in the choir; participated in the Women’s Guild; and belonged to Quilters Club. She was active in the community with the Homemakers Group and the Randolph VFW Auxillary. Pearl also volunteered at the poll on voting day for many years. She kept busy with her many friends regularly playing cards and dominoes. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, crocheting, and knitting. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy for Pearl, and she loved their visits.

Pearl is survived by her three children, Charles (Marilyn) Sytsma; Darlene (David) Missall, all of Randolph; Dennis (Mary) Estero, FL; and her step-daughter, Catherine (Orval) Wiersma, Randolph. She is further survived by her thirteen grandchildren, Lesa (Shawn) Steinhorst, Cheryl Sytsma, and Darren (Tina) Sytsma; Scott (Patricia) Missall, Jeffrey (Susan) Missall, Lorin (Denise) Missall, and Tyler (Monica) Missall; Ryan and Jamie Sytsma, and their mother Melinda Sytsma; Alexandra and Garrett Sytsma; Diane (Carl) Vander Galien, and Linda Cole; seventeen great-grandchildren, Emily, Tyler, Kearsten, Tucker, Alec, Julia, Aubryn, Grant, Micah, Carson, Brayden, Katelyn, Lesley, Brian, Alyssa, Katie, and Rachel, and her great-great granddaughter Jasmine. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive.

Pearl was preceded in death by husband Robert; an infant grandson Robert Charles Missell; an infant sister Winnie; two sisters, Grace (John) Westra; and Winnie (Theodore) Syens; and three brothers, Andrew (Minnie), John (Nellie) and Henry (Annice) Homan.

A Celebration of Pearl’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at First Reformed Church, 406 S. High St., Randolph, with Pastor Ben Bruins officiating.

Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

Pearls family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday at the church from 9 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in Pearl’s name.