Wilma (Zylstra) Vellenga

Wilma Vellenga, a longtime resident of Pine Bush, passed away on November 3, 2025, and went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family. She was 74 years old. Wilma was born to Hessel and Anna Zylstra in Holland. When she was three years old, she came to America on a three-week trip with her parents and her brother Sam, and they sailed into Hoboken, New Jersey.

Wilma was a lifelong member of the Goshen Christian Reformed Church and volunteered for 23 years as a Sunday School teacher. She was a talented seamstress, sewing and altering many items for family and friends. She loved to garden and maintain her numerous flower gardens around the house and on the farm. Wilma also loved to paint and make crafts. For many years, Wilma and her sisters hosted a craft fair at her home, and it became a tradition they all came to love.  In 1997, Wilma took a job at Pine Bush Elementary School, where she worked in the library for 20 years. The highlight of her day was helping the children pick out their books.  Reading was another one of Wilma’s hobbies. She was a part of a book club that met monthly, where they shared many laughs and memories.

Wilma is survived by her husband of 53 years, Sidney Vellenga, and their six children. Their daughter Alicia Roe, her husband Greg Roe, and their children Caitlin, Chelsea, and Jonathan. Their son, Scott Vellenga, his wife, Susan, and their children, Mikayla, Payton, Ethan, and Blake. Their son, Michael Vellenga, his wife, Paula, and their children, Hunter and Harley. Their son, Christopher Vellenga, his wife, Lauren, and their children, Brooke, Easton, Sawyer, and Case. Their son Steven Vellenga, his daughter Finnley, and their daughter Jenna Vellenga. Wilma was predeceased by her brother, Samuel Zylstra, and is survived by her brother, Luke Zylstra, and her sisters, Trudy Vriesema, Grace Olsen, and Terri VanPelt.

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects to Wilma on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Goshen Christian Reformed Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Goshen Christian Reformed Church, located at 2440 Route 17A, Goshen, NY 10924. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Goshen Christian Preschool at 2430 St Rt 17A, Goshen, NY 10924, in Wilma’s name.

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