Obituary of Jessie Lee Wierda

Jessie Lee Wierda, a most beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on the evening of June 19, 2020 at Covenant Hospital at the age of 90 years old. Jessie Lee (Burns) Wierda was born in Saginaw, MI on February 5, 1930 to parents Dorothy (Russell) and Robert Burns. Her family lived in the Freeland area where she attended a one room school from first thru eighth grade. She attended ninth grade at South Intermediate School then went on to Arthur Hill High School. She graduated from Arthur Hill with the class of 1947. During high school she worked at the Children's Home on Howard Street in Saginaw. After high school she went on to Monticello College for Women in Illinois. At the end of her two years there she earned a Liberal Arts degree. She remembered these two years as being one of the most valuable times in her life. Summers during college were spent as a counselor at the Girl Scout camp in Kalamazoo. After finishing at Monticello College, she went on to Central Michigan University where she completed a degree in Elementary Education. On September 1, 1950 she married Edwin J. Wierda. Edwin passed away in 1999. They were members of the Community Christian Reformed Church, Germania Town and Country Club, and she was active in the Saginaw Junior Woman's Club and Freeland Woman's Study Club. Surviving her are her two sons, Denny and Amy Wierda of Linwood, MI and Randy Wierda and his partner Patty Donahue of Saginaw, MI; her five grandchildren Kathryn Wierda, Lauryn (Zach) McKelvie, Melanie Wierda, Collin Wierda, and Anna Wierda; and her great grandson Hunter McKelvie. Also surviving her is her sister Elizabeth K. Miller and partner Al Vroman of Saginaw, MI, and three nephews and two nieces. As a young couple Jessie Lee and Edwin lived on State Road in Saginaw for 14 years, then moved to Freeland in 1964 and built a home in Thomas Township. They enjoyed summers at their cottage on the Au Sable Lake with their black labs and while their two sons and grandchildren were growing up. Jessie Lee will be remembered for being a good listener, always optimistic and helping others think positive. She was happy working with young children and enjoyed teaching elementary school and Sunday school for many years. Jessie Lee had an apartment at McBrite Manor in Saginaw for 10 years and referred to it as "an easy life." She later moved to Shattuck Manor for assisted living, which is now Wellspring. Till her last day she remained very close to her two sons, grandchildren and sister and was loved by many. FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2020 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State). Pastor Nathan Gritter will officiate. Private entombment to follow at Oakwood Mausoleum. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. Due to restrictions set forth by the State of Michigan and the world wide health pandemic, all visitors are required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Community Christian Reformed Church. Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wierda family; condolences may be expressed to the family at the funeral home or by visiting www.DeislerFuneralHome.com