Cornelia Tannie Dekker Gabrielse passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the age of 102. She was born May 4, 1916 and attended Pigeon River School. Cornelia was married to her beloved husband, Edward, for more than 53 years.
Cornelia was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Gerhard Dekker, her husband, Edward John Gabrielse, her sisters Tannie (Alfred) Dykema, Maude (Clayton) Simmelink and her brother, John Dekker. She was also preceded in death by her son, David Earl (Judy) Gabrielse and their son David Randall (Karen) Gabrielse.
She is survived by her sister, Jeanette (Willis) Nerhof, (Lincoln) Davies of Oostburg. She is also survived by two sons, Edward Jerome (Jane) Gabrielse of St Charles, IL and Bernard Lee (Carol) Gabrielse of Chino California and a daughter in law, Judy Gabrielse of Byron Center, MI. Cornelia loved her grandchildren, Kristi Lyn, Kurtis Lee (Kelly), Kathi Laine (Nick), Gregory Mark (Carrie), Kevin John (Karen), Steven Jay, Daniel Edward (Beth), Matthew Edward, Keith John and Erinna Sue. She enjoyed occasional visits by her nine greatgrandchildren, Bridget, Bradley, Garrett, Kara, Samantha, Cierra, Jordan, Maria, and Ava.
Cornelia was the last surviving family member of the generation of Gabrielse brothers and sisters and their spouses who were born in the United States from the union of Stephanus and Guurtje Gabrielse.
Cornelia was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church – first at the First Christian Reformed Church at 5
th
and Geele and later at Calvin Christian Reformed Church of which she and her husband, Ed, were founding members. She was a member of numerous church programs. She contributed significantly as a helper to her husband in the growth of the Sheboygan Christian School and High School and the resettlement of the Hmong refugees after the Vietnam War. She had an insatiable hunger for spiritual insights but sadly that fell victim to failing eyesight in the last few years. Her intellect and memory were clear and strong right until the end.
We thank God for the 102 years that Cornelia was used as His servant/ambassador on this earth. Every morning she awoke with the question on her mind, “What would You have me do for You today.” And every day was spent searching for, and acting on, opportunities for service in His name.
Our world is a much better place for her having been part of it and we thank our Lord for giving her to us for so many, many years.
Her funeral will be held at 11:30AM on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Calvin Christian Reformed Church,
2313 Saemann Ave
. in Sheboygan. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10:30-11:30AM on Wednesday. She will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials in Cornelia’s name are suggested to Pine Haven Christian Home.
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit
www.ballhornchapels.com
to sign the guestbook.
