Violet Sjaardema

January 2, 1937 — December 2, 2023

Denver

Violet Mae Sjaardema was born on Saturday, January 2, 1937, at St Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Violet is the daughter of Clarence and Alyda Westenburg. She is the oldest child of four siblings. 

Violet entered her Eternal Home on December 2, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Duane, sister, Janice, and brother, Ronald.

Most of Vi’s childhood and teenage years were spent in Denver, Colorado, where she attended Denver Christian High School, graduating in 1954. After graduation, she was employed as a Psychiatric Assistant at Bethesda Hospital to earn money with which to enter college and enter Nurse’s Training.   

In the early 1950s, a family with three eligible teenage boys moved to Denver from Iowa and joined Second Christian Reformed Church in Denver Colorado – Vi’s home church. Duane, the oldest, arranged a date with Vi to drive around Washington Park and “spin cookies” in his car – a new and delightful experience for Vi on December 26, 1955.   

Duane and Vi were married on August 30, 1956. In the years following, she and Duane became parents to six children: Sandy, Dave, Rick, Vonda, Wes, and Viet. 

Vi was a devoted wife and mother and considered herself a lifelong homemaker. Though employed in various jobs for short periods of time, she always placed her responsibility as wife and mother first. 

Through her lifetime Vi was deeply involved in a variety of church activities, Gideon Bible Ministry, Stephen’s Ministries, Talking Bible Ministry, teaching English as a Second Language, choir, knitting and crocheting groups, and enjoyed attending sport and music functions involving her children and grandchildren. Camping and gardening filled her need to explore God’s beautiful Creation. 

Vi was a wonderful Mentor to several young women. Vi’s gift of hospitality welcomed myriads of people into her home and life. Her deep faith and giving nature were a beautiful example of love. Vi’s deep desire to spread the love of Jesus and the message of the Gospel has been evident in every personal encounter.

Vi is survived by her brother Marve, six children and their spouses, nineteen grandchildren and eight spouses, and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Her family is saddened by the empty spot in their lives, but rejoicing as she is “home” with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ