Obituary of Tena Kielstra

Gone Home to Glory, the Lord has taken His own Trijntje ”Tena” (Vanderleeuw) Kielstra.
Born in Friesland, The Netherlands.

Treasured wife of the late SK “Jake” Kielstra (2019) and dedicated and loving Mom to Christine
Schram (Brad 2005), Grace & Bill Patterson, Rick & Sandra Kielstra, Margaret & Chris Newby, Paul Kielstra & Jeanette McComb.

Proudest Grandma and Great-Grandma to Brandon & Julie Schram (Nathan), Tami & Michael Eagen (Reese, Harper), Mark & Jackie Patterson (William, Diana), Mary & Chris Holland (Nora, Lyla), Kathryn Kielstra & Steve Holsappel (Calvin, Gwendolyn, Henry, Willa), Nick Kielstra, Ben Kielstra,   Connor McComb. Special Grandma to Chris Jr & Hailey Newby, Cassie Newby & Matthew Peterson (Ben, Everleigh), Nick Newby & Melissa Goetheyn (Mason, Robyn).

Daughter of the late Stanley (Sietze) & Christine (Stijntje Klooster) Vanderleeuw and daughter-in-law
of the late Hendrik & Geeske (Nicolai) Kielstra.

Cherished sister of Melvin Vanderleeuw (1962), John & Mary Vanderleeuw, Jake (2017) & Ann Vanderleeuw, Jim (2023) & Wilma Vanderleeuw, Margaret & Wiebe Nywening and Florence & Stuart Schaafsma, brother-in -law Hank Kielstra, sisters-in-law Shirley Tadema and Margi Kielstra. 

Predeceased by several Kielstra in-laws. Loved by many nieces, nephews and also friends and family in The Netherlands. 

Tena loved dearly her friends and community of South Chatham Village and enjoyed participating in
many of its activities and was grateful for their care for her.

She worked in various jobs alongside her husband as they together provided for their family. Tending to her gardens was a source of joy. She loved to play hymns on her key board.

Tena was a faithful member for over 60 years of First Christian Reformed Church. She was a member of many choirs and loved to sing. She always placed her trust and comfort in the words of her favourite song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Family to receive friends on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday at First Christian Reformed Church 25 Tweedsmuir Avenue East, Chatham. 

At the time of the Funeral Service a livestream will be available on the church website. The service recording will also be available following the service. https://www.firstcrcchatham.com/

In memory of Tena, donations may be made to Chatham Christian School Tuition Assistance Fund, World Renew Canadian Foodgrains Bank, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040