Etta de Jong's Obituary
Our beloved Mom and Oma went to be with our heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. She was born on May 24, 1942 in Wanswerd aan de Streek, Friesland, The Netherlands. On July 11, 1947, her family immigrated to California and eventually settled in Del Mar on a dairy farm. She was the oldest of 11 children and enjoyed being able to drive tractor for her father and learn how to be loving and hardworking from her mother. Her first real job was a cashier at the Hollandia Dairy Cash and Carry.
On June 21, 1963, she married Rudolf Paul de Jong and together they raised 7 children. Faith and family were most important to her. She was very content taking care of her home and cherished most her daily devotions, coffeetimes, and meals with her husband. She loved the many baptisms, professions of faith and weddings of all her children and grandchildren that she was able to witness over the years. Family camping trips to Carlsbad Beach and Bass Lake as well as family reunions also brought her much joy. She loved to play scrabble and helped direct a prison ministry through her church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Elsie Vander Woude, infant brother Jouke Vander Woude, brothers William and Simon Vander Woude, sister Ingrid Vander Woude, sister in law Janice Vander Woude, and beloved husband Rudolf Paul de Jong.
She is survived by her children, William (Anita) de Jong of Escondido, CA, Lisa (Gary) Luurtsema of Holland, MI, Simon (Deb) de Jong of Nampa, ID, Greta (Rob) Wybenga of Murtaugh, ID, Rudolf (Gina) de Jong, Jr. of Hartford, MI, Annetta (Craig) Hommes of San Marcos, CA, and Arie (Tami) de Jong of Scotts, MI, and 31 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and more on the way. She is also survived by her sisters Joanne (Koos) Brouwer, Sylvia (Arie) Wilgenburg, and Tracy (Dennis) VanderStelt, her brothers Richard (Tana) Vander Woude, John (Judy) Vander Woude and Ed Vander Woude, and sisters in law Willy Vander Woude and Chris Vander Woude.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Escondido United Reformed Church, 1864 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026. Funeral arrangements are with Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 S. Broadway, Escondido 92025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westminster Seminary, Calvin Christian Schools, or Silverado Hospice.
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