Sylvia Westra

Sylvia M. Westra, age 87, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born on November 30, 1927 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Samuel and Ricka (Dykema) VanderVeen. On August 8, 1943, Sylvia was united in marriage to Frederick Westra in Kalamazoo. She was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and was famous for her knitting, crocheting, needlework and landscape paintings. Surviving are her six children, Jacob (Linda) Westra of Schoolcraft, Margaret Westra of Kalamazoo, Robert Westra of Paw Paw, Daniel (Sherry) Westra of Grand Rapids, David (Cindy) Westra of Merrill, and Donald (April) Westra of Cutlerville; six siblings, Jacob Westra, Marinus (Sue) Westra, Henrietta Johnson, Lena Roberts, Marjorie (Al) Thomas, Connie Badham; 18 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband of 66 years, Fred Westra on March 2, 2010; and nine siblings, Martin Westra, Albert Westra, Paul Westra, Fred Westra, Jenny Roosenboom, Geraldine Lee, Ruth London, Anne Ritsema, Betty Pollard. Friends may visit with Sylvia's family from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick Street, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Rev. Fritz Kruithof will officiate. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes.