Cornelia VanLeeuwen (Corky) was born on November 11, 1928 in Hospers, Iowa.  She was sweet, strong, and stubborn (her words). 

She survived being born at just 1.5 pounds, a severe car accident in her late teens, many familial losses, health crises starting in her 30’s with the loss of hearing in one ear, a brain tumor removal that left permanent stroke-like damage, cancer, and dementia.   Through all this, she maintained a sense of humor, a strong sense of independence, and loyalty to friends and family, and, above all else, a deep faith in God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Evert and Susie (DeJong) VanVeldhuizen, sister Nellie DenHartog, brothers Ed, Gil, and Cornie, husband Jacob, and her children Bob and Char (Donley).  She is survived by her sister Bert Roetman,  son-in-law Rick Donley, daughter-in-law Deb VanLeeuwen, grandchildren Jeremy Donley and Tricia (Jim) Pell, and great granddaughter Anna Pell.

Corky died on July 3, 2017 Grandville, Michigan.

Due to minimal surviving family, there will be no visitation or funeral.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the entire staff at Georgetown and Cambridge Manors as well as the individual nurses that worked with Corky from Spectrum Hospice and Senior Resources.  Your love of both her and the caring you extended to us will not be forgotten.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, or sign Cornelia’s online guest book, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com 

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.