Patricia Ann Fikkert passed on to glory May 2, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Her last days were filled with laughter, singing and visiting with those she loved.
She was born on July 8, 1950 to Elmer and Marie (TeRonde) Nyenhuis in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She was a 1968 graduate of Oostburg High School, later studying at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA where she received her degree in Chemistry.
Her passion for teaching math and science brought her all over the country in her 40-year career, teaching in Leesburg Christian School (VA), Covenant Christian School (NJ), Grove City Christian School (PA), Orangewood Christian School (FL), and finally, Mount Vernon Christian School (WA) where she taught for 24 years until her retirement in 2016.
Pat loved her family and filled her home with joy. She was united in marriage to Stephen Fikkert on December 28, 1971 in Oostburg, WI. Together, they enjoyed the gift of marriage for over 53 years and raised 3 children together. In more recent years, Pat enjoyed spending time with her 12 grandchildren.
Pat was also a devoted Christian and a faithful member to the various churches she attended over the years. She used her musical gifts to lead worship, direct choirs, or accompany on the piano. Her teaching gifts were put to use in Sunday School or in more recent years as a Bible Study leader at Grace Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon. For several years, she extended an open invitation for Sunday dinner, feeding twenty to thirty young people weekly. She had a warm sense of hospitality to everyone.
Making music with family and friends were among her fondest life memories including singing in the Skagit Valley and Symphony Chorales which provided immense encouragement to her through her battle with cancer. Even in the hospital in her final hours, she harmonized her favorite hymns with family and friends.
Pat was active and full of energy. In retirement, she spent time on the things she loved : French club, traveling, reading, gardening, knitting, sewing, and entertaining the grandkids. She was talented at whatever she put her mind to and used her extraordinary gifts for the benefit of others and the worship of God.
She is survived by her husband Steve, one daughter Alison (Nicolas) Farelly of Compiègne, France; two sons James (Esther) and Seth (Lauren) of Mt. Vernon, WA . Pat is survived by her twelve beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Joan Flipse, Janet Klompenhouwer, and Judy Dirkse; Sister-in-law, Marcia (Allen) VanderPol; Brother-in-law, Brian (Jill) Fikkert. She is also survived by various nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service at Oostburg Cemetery at 11am on Friday, June 13, with a reception at Bethel OPC in Oostburg following at noon.
Memorial donations can be made in Pat’s name to: Mount Vernon Christian School (https://www.mountvernonchristian.org/page/giving) or Covenant College Endowment Fund (https://covenant.edu/giving/endowment.html).
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