Matilda Houtsma

Matilda Houtsma, age 87, went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2013. Born in Paterson, NJ on March 4, 1925, she resided in NJ until 4 years ago when she moved to Bellingham, WA. Matilda was the oldest of three children. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry Houtsma and brother William DeBlock. Matilda is survived by her sons Kenneth (Linda) of Hawthorne NJ, Ronald (Diane) of Bellingham WA, Donald (Susan) of Powhatan VA; sister Beatrice Hemkes of Prospect Park NJ; grandchildren and great grandchildren Jason & Allison Houtsma (Bjorn, Asher), Stacey & Pete Medek (Madison, Caleb), Katie Houtsma (Logan), Jeremy & Erin Houtsma, and Ryan Houtsma. Upon graduation from Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ she was employed as a legal secretary. Later in life she retired from the Borough of Franklin Lakes, NJ where she was employed in the Office of the Treasurer. Matilda played the piano and loved flowers, reading, talking on the phone, and food, especially dessert! She will be greatly missed, but always remembered for her trust in God, love for her family, her hugs, smile, and especially her laughter. A private memorial will be held in Bellingham and in NJ at a later date. In her memory, donations may be sent to In Touch Ministries, PO Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357.