Annabelle DeWitt

Some view serving others to be a lowly and undesirable task, but this is not who Annabelle DeWitt was. Nothing made her happier than tending to the needs of her family whether it was as a wife, mother, or grandmother. Annabelle was a devout Christian who sparkled with the love of Christ in her heart, her life a shining reflection of what the Christian life should be. In so many ways, Annabelle’s life was a gift to so many, and the legacy she leaves behind is such a priceless jewel for the generations whose lives she greatly impacted.

Four years after the end of World War I, President Warren G. Harding ordered United States occupation troops stationed in Germany to return home. The year was 1923 and later in that same year, the nation mourned the loss of this very same President. Our nation was enjoying a prosperous time as industry was expanding to meet peacetime needs, and jobs were plentiful with an unemployment rate just above five percent. It was also in this same year that in Holland, Michigan, Bert and Marlena (Regnerus) Bruischart were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Annabelle, on May 2nd. Annabelle was raised in Holland, a quaint city rich in Dutch heritage and Christian roots, where she was the second born of six children in her family. Her father worked as a brick mason while her mother stayed at home with the children. Annabelle learned the fragility of life at an early age with the death of her mother when she was in the 11th grade. Annabelle then left school in order to stay home and help raise her younger siblings while taking on her fair share of the household tasks as well. Although she grew up during years that were very difficult for many Americans with the Great Depression during the thirties, Annabelle always said that she was blessed with a good childhood.

A new chapter in Annabelle’s life began when she met the charming young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Edward DeWitt and they were introduced through mutual friends. There was an immediate attraction between them and they soon had fallen deeply in love with one another. They eloped and were married on February 10, 1942, when Annabelle was just 19, right before he entered the Army. Annabelle accompanied her new husband to his first station and worked in a five and dime store in Texas. Since these were the days of WWII, Edward, like so many others, was later shipped overseas.

Once reunited, the couple returned to the DeWitt family farm in Fillmore Township, Michigan. Ed worked as a mason while Annabelle stayed home to care for their family that grew to include three daughters. She immersed herself into raising her daughters as she viewed this to be both her greatest calling and blessing. Annabelle and Ed raised their children in a Christian environment as their faith was of the utmost importance. As a mother she was strict and was not likely to allow her daughters to attend dances, but always made sure they were in church twice on Sundays.

Although caring for her family kept her busy, Annabelle also took on an active role in their hobby farm. She raised chicken, sold eggs, and at times even delivered them. Annabelle also helped care for the other farm animals they raised. She was a magnificent baker of a variety of sweet treats, even decorating and selling cakes. Ed often marveled that his beloved Annabelle was in fact the best cook in the world.

There were some interests that Annabelle enjoyed pursuing when she had the time. She liked needlework of all kinds, and her love for cooking and baking naturally led to her extensive collection of recipes. Later in life, Annabelle and Ed wintered in Florida and although they had also traveled to Alaska, they both preferred to be at home. When Annabelle was blessed with grandchildren, she was filled with joy beyond measure and caring for her grandbabies was one of her most treasured ways to spend her time. When her grandchildren grew older, she hosted a pancake supper for them every Thursday when she simply enjoyed being surrounded by their laughter and love. Annabelle was a member of Daystar Church and an active member of Evergreen Commons, a senior center recognized as one of West Michigan’s best by Holland Sentinel readers.

Annabelle DeWitt was a rare treasure who brought light and life to the world around her. She was a woman of faith who took comfort in the Christian beliefs that were embedded on her heart when the storms of life blew her way at times. To Annabelle, material wealth and recognition from others were not the mark of a life well-lived. Rather it was the investment in future generations which she accomplished through her tender heart that beat to love her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Annabelle was an extraordinary woman who will be so dearly missed while her memories live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Annabelle DeWitt, of Holland, died on Monday September 28, 2009 at Resthaven Care Center with her family by her side. Annabelle’s family includes her daughters, Diane Tabor of Holland, Debra (Jeff) Joldersma of Holland; grandchildren, Tim VanSlooten, Stacey VanSlooten, Michelle (Joe) Mireles, Michael VanHill and JP Joldersma; great - grandchildren, Alec VanSlooten and Gabriella Mireles; a sister, Goldie (Harvey) Driesenga of Zeeland; step brother, Alvin (Sylvia) VanDyke of Zeeland; sister in law, Lonna Bruischart of Holland. Annabelle was preceded in death by her husband Edward, a daughter, Sharon DeWitt, a sister Lucille Weimer, and brothers, Louis and Jack Bruischart. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel – Holland, MI, 188 W. 32nd St. Holland. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Daystar Church, 11025 Paw Paw Dr. Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory for the family, sign a guest register, or make a memorial contribution to Evergreen Commons.