Mary Beth Wierda “Beth” passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2021 in Fort Myers, FL, surrounded by her loved ones. Beth was born on October 3,1940 in Cincinnati, OH to Harry John and Mary Margaret Wilger. She graduated from Our Lady of Cincinnati College and went on to teach elementary education in California and later Pine Island, Florida.
While in California she met and married James Jay Wierda “Jim”. Not long after they married, Jim took a job that stationed him overseas where they started their family. Beth and Jim spent the next 12 years raising four boys in The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. In 1985 the family left Saudi Arabia to start a new life in St. James City, Florida but in 1987 Jim passed away suddenly leaving Beth to raise four young boys on her own. With her courage, determination and support of her friends she took a job at Pine Island Elementary and dedicated her life to giving all she had to her boys regardless of the challenges she faced.
Beth is survived by her 4 sons, Bill Wierda, Bob Wierda, Joe Wierda and Tom Wierda, 5 grandchildren (Madison, Macy, Finley, Desmond and Kai) and 1 great-grandchild (Remington), her brother Ken Wilger and numerous others.
Beth lived a quiet and unassuming life cheering for her son’s successes, teaching and being a great friend. As a teacher she was the one who’s 4th grade class everyone wanted to be in. She loved her students and dedicated herself not just to being a great teacher but to making sure her students had experiences in the classroom that they might not have had at home. Even after retiring she was back in the classroom as a substitute teacher, devoting the same spirit and passion to the children that she had given during her career.
Outside of teaching Beth was adventurous and adaptable- willing to try just about anything. She loved watching sports and football season was her favorite! (Go Gators!) Beth was someone you always knew was there and she made time for anyone who needed her, ready to jump in the car with you at a moments notice and go wherever you wanted to go!
She had the best sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke with everyone.
Beth will be remembered most for her unconditional love, her positive spirit and her calming presence. She knew how to live without ever getting caught up in anything. She touched many lives with her generosity, kindness and passion for life and we will never stop wishing that we had more time with her.
A memorial and reception to follow will be held at 2 PM Friday, August 27 at:
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church
12175 Stringfellow Road
Bokeelia, FL 33922
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CoralRidgeFuneralHome.com for the Wierda family.
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