Esther Brusse

Esther Brusse, 90, formerly of Oostburg and a resident at Pine Haven Christian Home for the past six years died Thursday morning, November 1, 2007. Esther was born December 24, 1916 in Arpin, Wood County, Wisconsin; the daughter of the late Chris and Sara (Huisheere) Ter Maat. Esther married Henry Brusse on August 30, 1940 in Hingham. He preceded her in death on May 24, 1987. She was a cook at Oostburg Public Schools for 20 years prior to her retirement in 1981. Previously she worked at the Oostburg Canning Factory and the Powdered Milk Factory in Oostburg. She was a longtime member of First Reformed Church in Oostburg where she was a member of Mission Circle, and Young at Heart. Esther was the Sunday School Superintendent and taught Bible School. She was the funeral lunch coordinator for the church for many years. Esther enjoyed golfing, traveling, cooking and baking, playing piano and organ, and spending time with her family. Survivors include her two sons, Howard (Sue) Brusse and Marvin (Jan) Brusse, both of Oostburg; ten grandchildren, Scott (Maria) Brusse, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Brusse, Pam (David) Garbisch, Tim (Monica) Brusse, Kim (Tony) Leone, Jodi (Jaydee) Sipiorski, Becky Brusse, Kim (David) Lopez, Amy (Todd) Orler, and Julie Harry; and 19 great grandchildren. Esther is also survived by a dear friend, Melvin TenHaken of Pine Haven Christian Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter-in-law, Carol Brusse; three sisters, Irma (Jake) Kievet, Wilma (Jack) Clark, Etta (Martin) Brandl; two brothers, John (Margaret) Ter Maat and Alvah Ter Maat; and a brother-in-law, Delmar (Arlene) Brusse. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning at 10:30 am, November 3, 2007 at the First Reformed Church in Oostburg, with the Rev. Wayne De Vrou, pastor, officiating. Family services will precede at 10:15 am in the fellowship hall. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery in the Town of Holland. Friends may call at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday, November 2, 2007 from 5-8 p.m., and on Saturday, at church from 9:30 until the time of services. A memorial fund will be established in her name for Pine Haven Christian Home and First Reformed Church. Online condolences may be sent to wenig@wenigfuneralhome.com. The Brusse family would like to extend their appreciation to the devoted and caring staff of Pine Haven Christian Home; Doctor Kerpe, and nurse, Carrie; for the loving care given to Esther and her family the past several years. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Brusse family.