Tysseling, Helen Pauline 1943-2001

TYSSELING, LOVETT

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/8/2005 at 22:15:55

PELLA - Helen Pauline Tysseling, 58, of Pella, died Sunday, Oct. 14, at Griffin Nursing Center in Knoxville.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, the Rev. Sophie Mathonnet-Vanderwell officiating, the Rev. Ralph Van Rheenen assisting. Memorials: Christian Opportunity Center in Pella. No visiting hours are scheduled. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Pauline Tysseling was born Aug. 31, 1943, in San Francisco, Calif., to Richard "Babe" and Pauline Lovett Tysseling. She was diagnosed at birth with Downs Syndrome, and was educated at home by her mother and private tutors.

She enjoyed a steady social life revolving around Central College in Pella, where her father was director of athletics and admissions; Second Reformed Church, where she regularly attended Ladies Aid and worship services; and "Back Table" at the Pella Coffee Shop; and with her many friends and neighbors. She enjoyed traveling with her family, and music, especially gospel, opera and Lawrence Welk. She had a good memory and knew the family trees and connections of many of Pella's families back through several generations.

When her parents could no longer care for her, Helen moved to the Christian Opportunity Center. She was cared for by many staff members, including Tammy Lief, Nancy Gritters, Sheri Vance, Norma De Ruiter, Steve Elliott, Marvin Van Ekeren, Tim Edwards, Brandy Hesse, Jodie Mathisson and Mary Wanders Steele. She also enjoyed visits from Harriet Heusinkveld, Mina and Harold Roelofs, Eunice Folkerts, Pastor Ralph Van Rheenen, Margaret and Tom Waechter, and especially Marge Van Haaften and husband Marv.

She is survived by her paternal aunt and uncle: Florence and Anthony Tysseling; her maternal aunt, Grace Lovett of Princeton, Mo.; and cousins Marilyn Sponsler of Princeton, Mo., John Lovett of Wilmington, N.C., Tony and Lois Ward Tysseling of Everett, Wash., and Linda Tysseling White and Raymond White of Franklin, Tenn., as well as other relatives and friends.

The Oskaloosa Herald, October 18, 2001