Helena B. Zwart

ZWART, Helena B.
Of Kalamazoo Mrs. Zwart passed on to her heavenly home on Saturday evening, February 28, 2009, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She was born May 7, 1916 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Fred and Cora Vroegindewey Betke. On March 11, 1939, she was united in marriage to John Zwart, who preceded her in death on January 3, 1999. Helena was employed by Kalamazoo Public Schools for 22 years, working during most of that period as a secretary at Parkwood Upjohn Elementary School. She and her husband attended Bethany Reformed Church until they became charter members of Greenwood Reformed Church, where they remained active members throughout their lives. Her extensive volunteer efforts also included work with the Milwood Schools PTA and with the scouting movement. Preceding her in death were her sisters, Lillian Marcusse and Judy Collins; her brother, Carl Betke; and her son-in-law, Thomas Tausky. Surviving her are three children: Nancy Tausky of London, Ontario, Canada; Jerry Zwart of Kalamazoo, with his wife Mary; and Ted Zwart of Grand Rapids, with his wife Nancy. Helena is also survived by six grandchildren -- David Tausky, married to Jillian Taylor Tausky; Laura Tausky; Kristin Zwart Ortmann, married to Joseph Ortmann; Matthew Zwart; Julie Zwart; and Amy Zwart Bush, married to Paul Bush - and by several nieces and nephews. Helena was a witty, lively, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; she was a wonderful caregiver, and her steadfast love for her family and friends was generously returned. Funeral services for Mrs. Zwart will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday at Greenwood Reformed Church, 1815 Winton Avenue, with Rev. Jonathan Loper officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 PM on Tuesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. Interment will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Greenwood Reformed Church Memorial Fund or Kalamazoo Communities In Schools KCIS. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Helena's online guest book or leave a condolence to the family.