Johanna Heystek

  In the Lord’s time, He took our dear mother and grandmother, “Oma” Johanna Heystek to Himself on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. She was 84 years old.
  Oma was born Aug. 10, 1936, to Jan and Marie Borsboom in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands. She was born the first child of 10 and was given many responsibilities at a young age. Although she was a young child during World War II, she carried many memories of that difficult time. Her love of God was shown in her care for her family and serving in the Salvation Army. When she was 18, she met her “liefde,” Jacobus Heystek, and soon followed him to Nova Scotia, Canada, where they were married on Nov. 16, 1957. From Halifax, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, then to Seattle and lastly to Lynden and had lived there since 1969. After Jacobus retired in 1990, it was rare that they were seen apart from each other. Together they were involved in the distribution of God’s Word through the Trinitarian Bible Society.
  Oma always smiled, was quick with an encouraging word, and had a sense when someone needed help. Her door was always open and it was rare that after visiting with her, one would leave without hearing the words, “Keep looking up!” Oma is the woman described in Proverbs 31, a most blessed example who always loved the Lord. She was a faithful member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Lynden.
  “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14
  She is survived by her three children: Carolyn (John) Tolsma, Mark (Laura) Heystek and John (Debbie) Heystek; her 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and 16 siblings, including in-laws, in the Netherlands.
  She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jacobus; an infant grandson, Daniel Mark Tolsma; and two brothers and four in-laws in the Netherlands.
  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Christian School, 9088 Northwood Rd., Lynden, WA 98264; or Trinitarian Bible Society, 927 Alpine Commerce Park, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.
  Visitation was at Gillies Funeral Home Monday, March 8. Graveside committal was in Monumenta Cemetery Tuesday morning, March 9, followed by her memorial service in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation at 11 a.m., with Reverend John Den Hoed officiating.
  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.