Hilda (Zuidgeest) VanderShoor

ZUIDGEEST - (Hillegonda) Hilda (Nee) VanderShoor, aged 89, passed on August 22, 2008. Known as Oma to everyone, (Oma means grandmother in Dutch), Hilda was born in the Netherlands and married in Rotterdam to Adrian Zuidgeest. The family grew when their first child, Robert (Bob) was born in Rotterdam. To seek the American dream, they bravely left all extended family in the Netherlands and traveled across the sea to New York City in 1957. The East Coast didn't fit quite as well and west Michigan...well, fit much better. Hilda learned English as a second language, raising her son and ten years later, welcoming a daughter, Nancy, on the north end of Grand Rapids. Nancy's addition to the family, while it was a little later in life, was the blessing that helped complete the Zuidgeest's American dream. Hilda was a meticulous worker, and for many years was part of the Russ's Restaurant family. She always made the customers feel important, as she would talk about Holland and her Dutch heritage. Hilda was known for her quick wit and her delicious cream puffs. She was always friendly and willing to visit and make those around her feel invited. She will leave behind and be dearly missed by her two children, Nancy Zukowski (Randy), Robert Zuidgeest; her grandchildren, Ginger Zuidgeest, Sean Zuidgeest, and their mother, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, DeLaney Zukowski, MaCoy Zukowski, Bridget Zuidgeest, and Walter Zuidgeest and their mother, Dr. Pam Zuidgeest; and many long time friends here in Grand Rapids and extended family in the Netherlands. A family celebration will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller N.E. at Three Mile Rd. Hilda will be buried alongside her husband, Adrian at Plainfield Twp. Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the chapel from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Reyers North Valley Chapel Reyers North Valley Chapel