Susan Eenigenburg

Vibrant, fun-loving, and generous, Susan Eenigenburg was a true gift to everyone she met. Her strength was so inspiring, and her devotion to her family was easy to see. A woman of unwavering faith, Sue faced whatever came her way with both grace and courage. There was nothing she treasured more than being surrounded by her loved ones, and they will forever cherish the memories they created with such an amazing woman.

It seems only fitting that it was during the vibrant decade of the 1950s that Sue’s journey began. Televisions were becoming part of our homes while shows like Father Knows Best influenced our perception of the typical American family and Marilyn Monroe defined beauty at the time. The third child in her family, Susan Lynn was welcomed into the world by her parents, Bob and Jaunita Kimber, on July 27, 1953, in Holland, Michigan. Until she was five, her family lived next door to her mother’s parents, and Sue was known for either sneaking over there or off into the nearby woods to find adventure. When she was five, her family moved to Los Angeles, California, as her father pursued his calling into ministry. They also moved a few more times as her father was called to lead various churches. When she was nine, Sue’s younger sister, Ruth, was born, and just eighteen months later her brother, Jim, completed their family, which also included her older siblings, Bob and Tom. Sue was her mother’s “extra set of hands” as she was instrumental in helping raise her younger siblings.

Even at a young age, Sue was resilient and strong. Moving so often was difficult academically for her, but she persevered. She also ran track and swam throughout high school. In fact, she qualified for state finals in the breaststroke. Sue also blessed her school and church choir with her beautiful singing voice. She went on to graduate from high school in Oregon City, Oregon, in 1971.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Sue’s introduction to the man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Leonard Taylor, and they met while she was reluctantly touring LA Baptist College on a weekend tour at the end of her senior year in high school. Len showed her around campus and even took her on a date, and they remained in touch after the weekend ended. Sue later became a student there for about two years, and in November of 1973 they were married. Soon after, Len enlisted in the Army, and they spent some time in Tacoma, Washington, and also in Wurzburg, Germany. While in Germany, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Shelly Renee, in 1977. When Shelly was just a few months old, they lived near Sue’s parents in Appleton, Wisconsin. About a year later, they moved to Holland, Michigan. Soon, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Nathan Daniel, in 1980. It seems as though Sue was born to be a mother. She loved caring for her family, and she also did some babysitting to help earn some extra money while still being able to be at home for her own children.

It was difficult for Sue when she and Len divorced in 1987, but she was able to pick herself up with the help of family and friends. It has been said that Sue was tough as nails, strong in her faith in the Lord, and didn’t let anything get in her way of doing everything she could for kids. She worked her tail off and still managed to make nearly all of her kids’ sporting events as they were forever her primary focus. She held down a full-time job at Robert Shaw Controls, now Invensys Controls, and also had side jobs as well. Sue was truly superwoman! She made many amazing friends at work where she was nicknamed “Susie Wan.” Her best friend, Pat Trevino, worked with her there, and they also lived across the street from one another when their children were younger. Through thick and thin, Sue and Pat were always there for one another.

In 1993, Sue was introduced to Richard (Rich) Eenigenburg, by a mutual friend. They hit it off right away. Rich hadn’t been married before, nor did he have any children, but he was incredibly accepting of her children. Rich and Sue dated a few years and eventually married on October 26, 1996, in Las Vegas. Rich renewed her faith in love, provided safety and stability, and loved her and her children like his own. Together they enjoyed taking vacations, but Sue also just loved being at home. She loved gardening and had a fantastic green thumb. Sue’s gardens grew the best vegetables, which led to the best “Susie wan salsa”! She was able to retire early from Invensys and enjoyed being a homemaker again, but all the years spent leaning over to look through a magnifying glass at work soon caught up with her. Sue started having some degeneration in her cervical spine, and later in her lower back as well. This led to several surgeries, which helped, but she lived in pain nearly every day. Sue also battled and overcame non-hodgkin’s lymphoma! As she battled with her health, Rich was her advocate, her best friend, and an amazing caregiver.

Over the years, Sue was so proud of her children and never hesitated to tell others that very thing. She was the primary reason both of her children graduated from college and went on to work in the medical field. When they married Sue embraced her children’s spouses as her own. She couldn’t wait to be grandmother and was so thrilled to be in the delivery room with her daughter when her first grandchild was born. Sue and Ethan always shared a special bond, and he affectionately referred to her as “Grandma Geeka.” Sue was almost there when Addison was born, but she just missed her birth since Addy was in a hurry to meet everyone. Addy is sweet and caring just like Sue, and she was always excited to share things with her grandma. Aria arrived about 18 months ago, and she loved to give her grandma snuggles.

Throughout her life, Susan Eenigenburg lived to serve and nurture others. She fully embraced each and every day she was given, living life to the fullest. Although she will be deeply missed, Sue’s family finds comfort in knowing that they will see her again one day.

Susan Lynn Eenigenburg, of Holland, died on Friday, May 26, 2017. Sue’s family includes her husband, Rich; children, Shelly (Derek) Eade, Nate (Kayla) Taylor; grandchildren, Ethan (10) and Addison (7) Eade and Aria (1 ½) Taylor; siblings Bob (Eugenia) Kimber, Tom Kimber, Ruth (Don) Smith, Jim (Anjee) Kimber along with many nieces and nephews. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Rev Robert and Juanita Kimber. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2017 at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Rich's sister, Rev. Susan E. Eenigenburg, will be officiating with a burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the Northwood Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com