Marion (Murkje) Vellenga went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, March 26, 2017.  Marion passed peacefully at her home with family by her side.  She was 89 years old.

            Marion was born March 24, 1928 in Folsgare, Friesland (The Netherlands), the daughter of the late Cornelis and Grietje Zeilstra.  Marion was predeceased by her “sweetheart” of 63 years Klaas, her brother, Jelte Zeilstra and her son-in-law John Levett.

            Marion was an active member of Goshen Christian School's Helping Hand Society and a member of Goshen CRC.  She was a current member of the Hudson Valley United Reformed Church, New Hampton.   

            Marion came to America in 1951 to marry Klaas, the only person in America she knew. She was unable to speak, read or understand English so she relied on her faith in God and her love for Klaas. 

            While growing up in the Netherlands, Marion's love of knitting, sewing and crocheting began. Her talent became evident when World War II soldiers left behind their parachutes and Marion would transform them into coats for her and her family. Her talent continued with knitting and crocheting infant blankets and sweaters and making clothing including wedding dresses for her children.  She donated a lot of her work to the Fair on the Square and Fall Festivals of Goshen Christian.  They were admired by many. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman.  Infants brought a deep joy to Marion, she could hold them for hours.  Later in life Marion and Klaas enjoyed traveling together – especially cruises.

            Marion is survived by her sisters Ybletje VanRijn-Zeilstra and Sjoukje Obbink-Zeilstra both of The Netherlands and her sister-in-law Janet (Egbert) Couperus of Canada; her eight children:  Sidney (Wilma) Vellenga, Pine Bush;  George (Henri) Vellenga, Slate Hill; Marguerite (Martin) Nop, Montgomery; Annette Levett (Rich) Hoyt, Walden; Debbie (Charlie)  Kuperus, Westtown; Renee (Kenny) Kuperus, Newark; Eric (Carol) Vellenga, Middletown and Troy (Tina) Vellenga, Middletown. 

            Marion was the Beppe to 34 grandchildren: Alicia (Greg) Roe; Scott (Susan); Mike (Paula); Chris (Lauren); Steven; Jenna; Kim (Bud) DeVries; Melissa (Kevin) Van Ek; Greg (Jenelle); Dean (Jaimie); Jennifer (Jim) Beuerman; Randy (Michelle); Steph (Owen) Valkema; Derreck (Kendra) Nop; Deana (Jon) Swart; Debra (Eric) Falkena; Richard (Jess) Nop; Ben Levett; Russell (Lisa) Levett; Jon (Carrie) Levett; Nick (Jolene) Kuperus; Jessica (Brian) Okken; Leanna (John) Bast; Ashley (Sean) Conley; Amanda (Joe) Benge; Kendra Kuperus; Courtney (Kiam) Boerema; Dylan (Kristyn); Candace; Erika; Dustin; Brad; Kally and Tyler. 

             Marion was also blessed with 80 great grandchildren:  Caitlin, Chelsea, Jonathan, Mikayla, Payton, Ethan, Blake, Hunter, Harley, Brooke, Easton, Sawyer, Case, Taylor, Austin, Meaghan, Clayton, Brandon, Mason, Seth, Ashton, Rileigh, Griffin, Dawson, Carter, Hudson, Jayden, Delayna, Reagan, Shaylin, Jase, Skylar, Layk, Bryer, Anya, Jane, Simon, Phoenix, Wyatt, Hailey, Cole, Olivia, Charlotte, Noah, Caleb, Leah, Eden, Aaron, Luke, Jonah, Grant, Ava, Dixon, Lincoln, Grace, Evan, Tiffany, Trent, Taylor, Reece, Jackson, Walker, Piper, Ryker, Paisley, Chase, Colten, Ciana, Carson, Autumn, Layla, Cecilia, Jude, Jack, Holland, Lydia, Hayden, Kendrick, Tyshun and Chance.

           The loving care that mom received these past three years would not have been possible without her caregivers.   A special thank you to Beauty, Nellie and Heather for their love and tender care.  

Visitation will be from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Thursday, March 30, at Hudson Valley United Reformed Church, 1043 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY  10958. The service will be held on Friday, March 31 at 11:00 am, at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. 

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