Ann H (Hoebeke) Elzinga

Ann Hoebeke Elzinga died Jan 27, 2022. She was born June 10, 1931 to Dr. William and Betty Hoebeke in Kalamazoo, MI. She graduated from Western Michigan University State High School in 1949, attended Dennison University, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1953.

Ann met Don Elzinga at Second Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, and they were married there in 1953.

Ann worked for the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York while Don attended college in Rochester. But her favorite work was as a volunteer in her children's schools, at the Open Doors Shelters in Kalamazoo, and at her church.

Ann believed her marriage to Don was blessed by God, and she loved him faithfully for 68 years with all her heart. Together they raised 4 children- Paul (Mary), Susan, Douglas (Pamela), and Keith (who died at age 15). She was an inspiration to her grandchildren Rachel, Rebecca, Mary Leigh, Emma, and Elena. Great grandchildren are Andy (Ashley), Abigail (Richard), and Alexander Kuipers. She was a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Ann and Don established a family tradition of gathering at Higgins Lake for two weeks each summer with all their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other extended family. Sitting on the porch, overlooking the beauty of God's creation, and seeing and hearing their family at play was a source of great joy.

Ann loved seeing and caring for nature and wildlife. Vacations were focused on places of natural beauty, and she enjoyed caring for birds, squirrels, deer, and other animals that visited their home. A house was never a home without a resident Siamese cat.
Ann had a deep love for God's word and was a faithful intercessor in prayer. Family and friends knew that whenever they had a need or prayer request, they could give that prayer request to Grandma Ann, and she would consistently bring that request before God. What a source of encouragement and grace!

Don, who still lives at Friendship Village, and the entire Elzinga family, would like to thank the staff of Friendship Village and Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest MI) for all the love and care they gave to Ann in her later years.
Ann would like to be remembered as a sinner who was saved by God's love and grace.

"You make known to me the path of life; In your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

A celebration of life service will be held on Feb 27th at 4pm at Friendship Village 1400 N. Drake Rd, Kalamazoo. We will follow Friendship Village covid protocols (currently masks and social distancing).

Memorial contributions may be made to, Open Doors Kalamazoo 1141 S. Rose St, Ste 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, Friendship Village-Employee Scholarship Fund 1400 N. Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, or Centrica Care Navigators-Hospice 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.