Siemkje "Susan" Algera

Siemkje “Susan” Algera, age 89, resident of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods on Sunday, April 27, 2025. She resided at the Cook Memory Care Unit of Raybrook Manor, Holland Home prior to her entering Faith Hospice. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Anna VanderPol and her four brothers, Jorke, Atsa, Frank and Ysbrandt. Susan will be deeply missed by her children, Carl (Monique), Annette (Dr. Bennett) Willard, Kathy (Ned) Dykstra, and Marilyn (Todd) DeVries. Her many grandchildren include: Stephanie, Christopher, Dylan (Mahlia), Morgan, Logan, Erin (Sean), Bradley (Brandi), Kylie (Lance), Anna (Andrew), Kari (Kyle), Brian, and Rachel (Bryce). Susan was known as “GIGI” to her great grandchildren: Alexis, Jayln, Owen, Tripp, Ella, Ruby, Zola, Knox, Paxon, Avery, Addison, Carson, Cooper and Kinsley. GIGI was eagerly expecting the arrival of a great granddaughter this fall. Susan was born on February 18, 1936, in Achlum, Netherlands. As a child, she grew up in a farming community during WWII. She told stories of the war and its impact on her and her family. After the war, she attended school and was trained as a seamstress. She received accolades and awards for her exceptional sewing talents. She married Douwe at the age of 21 and moved to Winnipeg, Canada. There she had three children and later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she had another child. She raised her four children, in addition to working as a landlord, waitress, and housecleaner. Susan remained married for 20 years and later divorced. Susan’s passion in life was her faith in God and love for her family. Attending grandchildren’s sporting events were a highlight for her. She had a fun personality and a great sense of humor. She loved a good water fight at family gatherings that she frequently instigated. Susan loved to bake for her family and spent hours making the best “Banket” for holidays. She enjoyed spoiling her grandkids by having “tea-time” with milk and lots of sugar and providing sweet treats. She was dedicated to teaching her family about God and showing love and kindness to others. She was a long time devoted member of East Paris Christian Reformed Church, where she donated her spare time taking the elderly to medical appointments and bringing them meals. Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Friday, May 9, from 5-7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 10, from 10-11:00 a.m. A memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Arsulowicz Funeral Home at 3525 Remembrance Rd, NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534. Burial will follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Faith Hospice Trillium Woods or Holland Home Cook Memory Care Center.

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Siemkje "Susan" Algera

February 18, 1936 - April 27, 2025