Susan Marie DeKoekkoek

Susan Marie DeKoekkoek (Zondervan), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 5, 2024, at the age of 77, after a short battle with leukemia. Born on August 11, 1947, in Michigan, Susan moved to California at a young age, where she would build a beautiful life centered on Christ that was filled with faith, family, and service to others.

On August 20, 1968, Susan married David DeKoekkoek, her husband in faith and life for more than 56 years. Together, they built a home centered on love, trust in God, and a commitment to each other and their three children: Paul DeKoekkoek (Beth), Kristen DeKoekkoek Bons (Ruben), and Ryan DeKoekkoek (Laura). Susan’s life was a testament to her steadfast faith and her devotion to God’s calling. As both an educator and secretary, she brought compassion, patience, and dedication to all she did, serving not only as a mentor but as an example of grace and kindness.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and her love for Jesus shaped her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her nine treasured grandchildren. She was an active member of her church community, where she found strength and joy among her faith family. Her guiding presence and strong belief in God’s promises, specifically Psalm 121, were a constant source of comfort to her loved ones and to all who knew her.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edith Zondervan. She is survived by her loving husband, David; her children, Paul, Kristen, and Ryan; her sister, Patricia; and her grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin, Luke, David, Grace, Clara Joy, Nathan, Joshua, and Hannah, who will carry forward her legacy of love, service, and faith.

A private family interment will take place on Friday, November 22, at Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario, CA. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Crosspoint Christian Reformed Church, 6950 Edison Ave., Chino, CA. Friends and loved ones are invited to come together and remember Susan’s life and her unwavering commitment to faith and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her loving memory to Ontario Christian Schools and Inland Christian Home, reflecting her lifelong devotion to Christian education and care.

Susan’s family finds peace in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved deeply. She will be remembered by her infectious smile, friendly and inviting spirit and a positive attitude through both the joys and trials in life. Though she will be greatly missed, her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.