Mary Medendorp

Mary Alyce Medendorp age 73 died on September 10, 2018 after a long struggle with lung cancer, quietly in her sleep and resting in the arms of her Heavenly Father.

She was born on February 7, 1945 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Gerrit Van Dyk and Nellie Van Dyk as the sixth of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Marvin Van Dyk, and her sister Betty Vandermay.

Mary is survived by her husband of 51 years, Allen H. Medendorp. They were married on June 16, 1967 in Grand Rapids Michigan. She is also survived by her three children, Gregory A. Medendorp (Anna) of Albuquerque, NM; Lisa A. Navarrete, (James) of Marysville, WA; and Brian J. Medendorp (Haley) of Nashua, NH. She has one granddaughter Elena Navarrete of Marysville, WA, and one grandson Otto Medendorp of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her sisters Dorothy Boom of Marion, ND; Audrey (Jim) Reurink of Colton, SD; Elaine (Roy) Van Liere of Colton, SD; her brother Gerald “Obie” (Jan) Van Dyk of Pella, IA; her sister-in-law Jelene Van Dyk of Portage MI; her brother-in-law Jack Vandermay of Portage MI; and many nephews, nieces and their children.

Mary graduated from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, Michigan) in May of 1967. She and Al were married in June of that year then moved to Minneapolis, MN where Mary taught at Calvin Christian School for several years, and later did some substitute teaching. After they moved to Omaha, NE, Greg and Lisa were born, and Mary was able to stay home with them to do one of the most important jobs there is of being a parent. Shortly after moving to Oklahoma, Brian was born. In addition to Minneapolis and Omaha, Mary and Al have lived in Alameda, CA; Edmond, OK; Neenah, WI; and Los Alamos, NM. Besides caring for her children, Mary loved Jesus Christ and His church. She was active at the churches they have attended throughout the years serving on many committees, and directing their Christian Education programs. Mary had a real heart for serving others and children and was involved in many children's programs, as well as often caring for the children of others. She volunteered as a tutor and teachers aid at most of the schools her children attended. She also served as a tutor in Omaha for the Literacy Council. While attending White Rock Presbyterian Church she served as an elder on Session.

One of Mary's passions was heading the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) program of packing shoe boxes with gifts to be given to needy children throughout the world. Mary's other loves were to be outdoors (whether camping and hiking or creating beauty in her yard and garden); reading; sewing; quilting; crafts; remodeling the homes in their many moves; and managing together with Al, a small rental management business. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a generous donor of her time and energy in service to others, Mary will be deeply missed. Mary’s family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Operation Christmas Child (samaritanspurse.org/occ), Navigator's Juntos Youth Ministries in Albuquerque (juntosabq.com), or East Central Ministry of Albuquerque (eastcentralministries.org). Or you can make a check out to “WRPC” putting the ministry you would like to donate to in the memo line.

Visitation will be at 3PM Saturday September 22nd, and a Memorial Service will be at 3PM Sunday September 23rd, both at White Rock Presbyterian Church at 310 Rover in White Rock NM. Internment will take place at Guaje Pines Cemetery. The care of Mrs. Medendorp has been entrusted to the care of Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations of Los Alamos.