Jane Ellen Dykgraaf

Jane Ellen Dykgraaf, age 101, peacefully left this earth to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, rejoining her husband Chester Dykgraaf, grandson Dustin Calendar, stepson Dr. Craig Dykgraaf, parents Truman and Eleanore Partridge, sister Lucille and brother Robert. Jane was born on November 11, 1922 in Seattle, Washington, but later moved to Comstock Park in 1962. In 1982, she and Chester moved to St. Augustine, FL where they enjoyed many years until they finally decided to move back to Grand Rapids in 2005 to be closer to family and friends. Jane lived a long and vibrant life, proud of the fact that at 101, she was still living independently in her own home. She was the life of every party and never missed an opportunity to tell her family how proud she was of them and how much she loved each of them. She was well known for her exceptional culinary skills, including her famous rum cake. She was an active member of the DAR and the Whiff and Wooffers Golf Group. She loved her community at St. Anthony of Padua Church, where she chose to join the Catholic Faith at the age of 86 (Fr. Mark Przybysz enjoyed pointing out that she was the oldest convert he had the privilege of bringing into the Church) and looked forward to her weekly hugs from Dennis Centilli every Sunday after mass. She enjoyed her monthly outings to the Grand Rapids Symphony and her Saturday breakfasts with friends. She looked forward to family gatherings whether it was celebrating a holiday, one of her many great-grandchildren’s birthdays, or just getting together after mass on Sundays. Regardless of the occasion, she always found a reason to make a toast and remind everyone of how grateful she was to have them in her life. Jane will be lovingly remembered by her children Kristine (Mike) Alberta, Ric (Julia) Erickson, stepdaughter-in-law Christy Dykgraaf; grandchildren Erica Kochaney, Craig (Amy) Dykgraaf, Alyssa (Dave) Naselsker, Bridgette (Yalcin) Turkdil, Tricia Erickson (Jeremy Croff), Zachary (Stacie) Erickson, Leanne (Kyle) Lipski, Dan (Kasi) Erickson, Nick (Kristen) Erickson; 25 great grandchildren; niece and nephews Mary (Bob) McWilliams, Rick (Nancy) Davies and John Davies; and numerous friends, including Don and Sharon VanWeelde, Judy Bres, and Pat Boyle. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday March 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond NW where her family will receive visitors one hour before the Mass. The family will receive visitors Tuesday March 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 7:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church.

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Jane Ellen Dykgraaf

November 11, 1922 - March 5, 2024