Jean Sytsma

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection, Jean Henrietta Sytsma (née Harger) died on Thursday, September 28, 2017 completing her Baptism. She was 64 years old.

Jean Sytsma was born March 3, 1953 in Holland, Michigan. She was raised in Graafschap Christian Reformed Church. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1972 and Baker College in 1974 with a degree in sales and marketing.

Jean always had a servant’s heart for neighbors and the other. With her church’s help, she worked to resettle Cambodian refugees, helping them find housing, employment and forming deep relationships. She enjoyed photography and traveling to Germany to connect with her heritage and roots. She was a member of Christians in Action, and the Bentheimer’s International Society.

Jean will be greatly missed by many, including her mother, Swenna (Buter) Harger; two brothers: James (Lisa) Harger of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Gary (Brenda) Harger of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; two children: the Rev. Susan (Peter) Sytsma Bratt of Dallas, Texas; Jana Sytsma of Holland; a granddaughter: Emma Bratt of Dallas, Texas; and four nieces: Katie Harger; Hallie Harger; Anneke Harger and Emma Harger. She also is survived by her ex-husband, Peter R. Sytsma.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2 at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI. The family will participate in a private funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Cambodian Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 1 Grave Place, Holland, MI 49423 or Holland Christian Schools, 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423.