Isla Van Eenenaam

Isla G. Van Eenenaam, age 106, of Holland died on Saturday August 1, 2009 at Simarron residence home in Grand Haven, Michigan, at the age of 106.

Isla was born in Zeeland, Michigan, on November 17, 1902, the daughter of Evert J. Pruim and Alyda Everhard Pruim.

After graduating from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, in 1924, she returned to Zeeland, Michigan and taught Music and Art in Zeeland High School for four years.

Isla married Gordon F. Van Eenenaam on June 4, 1928, and moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where Gordon had established his law practice. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the State Senate, and they commuted back and forth between Lansing and Muskegon through the early 1930’s. Isla was his ardent Republican supporter.

While raising their family, Isla was very active in the Muskegon community serving the YWCA as President of its Board; President of the Muskegon County Council of Church Women; member of the RCA Board of World Missions, and the Central Youth Committee; member of Central Reformed Church and serving other local Reformed Churches as President of the Missionary Union.

Following the death of her husband Gordon in 1959, Isla moved to Holland to become a head resident at Voorhees women’s resident hall at Hope College. She later became the Dean of Women at the College, retiring from the office in 1968. In1974she received a Hope College Distinguished Alumna Award. She was the oldest living active member of the Sorosis Sorority (Sigma Sigma). The I.VE League organization was formed in her honor to promote leadership skills among women on Hope’s Campus. She was a member of Century Club, and PEO.

In addition to being a speaker and lecturer, Isla was a gifted vocalist, with a beautiful “mellow” soprano voice. She sang frequently as a soloist, in duets and trios and choirs; also directing choral groups.

Isla loved being with people and was an exceptional hostess. She was an independent women serving as a role model for many. She lived her life firmly grounded in the Christian Faith, encouraging and teaching, by word and example, that life must be lived in partnership with God through Christ. She was a long time member of Hope Church of Holland. In spite of strongly held beliefs on many topics, she was an empathetic listener and had many friends and admirers of all ages.

To her family she was a woman of unconditional love, acceptance, encouragement and support. She was a vibrant personality, full of life and good humor.

Isla was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and grandson John A. Van Eenenaam.

Her Family includes her three children:

John P. Van Eenenaam (Marianne) of Grand Haven, Michigan, and their three children: Susan Fiallo (Orlando) of San Juan, Puerto Rico; James G. Van Eenenaam (Sblenda) of Dana Point, California; and Julie Barrett (Christopher) of Managua, Nicaragua;

Dr. David O. Van Eenenaam (Elena) of Watertown, New York, and their four children; Sarah Hanson (Jeff) of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Dr. Peter Van Eenenaam (Dacia) of Watertown, NY.; Kate Wilson (John) of Manlius, NY; and Amy Atkinson (Graham) of Manlius, NY; and

Isla Ver Meulen (Dr. Victor) of West Olive, Michigan, and their four children: Mark Ver Meulen (Jeni) of Columbus, Ohio; Dirk Ver Meulen (Starr) of Atlanta, Georgia; David Ver Meulen (Heather) of Winnetka, Illinois; and Tim Ver Meulen (Kristin) of Ada, Michigan; She is also survived by 30 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on 2 pm Sunday August 9, 2009 at Hope Church in Holland, Michigan; The Rev. Gordon Wiersma and Rev. Jill Russell officiating. Private family comitial services were held at Zeeland Cemetery. A reception will be held following the service.

Contributions may be made to: The Isla Pruim and Gordon F. Van Eenenaam Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Hope College, Holland, MI; or Hope Church of Holland, Michigan.

Arrangements by The Downtown Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home 29 East 9th Street Holland, Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Isla’s online registry, share a photo, or read her life story.