Arlene Hofman Tiersma

1927 - 2016

Arlene Hofman Tiersma obituary, 1927-2016, Visalia, CA

BORN

1927

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave

Visalia, California

Arlene Tiersma Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 15, 2016.

Aukje Hofman was born in Scharnegoutum, the Netherlands, on May 14, 1927, the oldest daughter of Benjamin Hofman and Jitske Tolsma. She received her schooling in the Netherlands. In 1943 she lost her mother and became responsible for her father's household. She met Meije (Mark) Tiersma at a birthday party and the two of them were married in 1951. They immigrated to the United States in 1958, bringing with them Pieter (Peter), Jitske (Jude) and Brechtje (Brenda). After living in southern California for two years, the family moved to the Central Valley, where the fourth child, Benjamin, was born. After living in various locations, they settled in Visalia in 1971, where they operated a dairy farm until Mark died in 2004.
Arlene was involved in the local community, where many people remember her as the friendly Avon lady. She loved to read, and encouraged her children in their education. Music was an important part of her life, and she often played the pump organ that the family brought with them from the Netherlands. Arlene sang in the choir for many years at the Christian Reformed Church, where she was an active member. She sustained a deep and abiding love for God throughout her life. Her friends and family meant much to her, especially her three grandchildren, Mark, Luke and Sara.
Arlene is preceded in death by her husband Mark and her son Peter. She is survived by a sister, Jitske and a brother, Oene, both in the Netherlands, as well as her daughter-in-law Thea, her children Jude (John), Brenda (Carlo), Ben (Jeanine) and their families.

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1 Entry

September 16, 2016

Sandi Soto (Ehoff)

So sorry to hear of Arlene's death. I think about the family often although it's been years since I've seen anyone of you. I have fond memories of Arlene from my high school days hanging out with Brenda. She was always so giving and I would give her the title of "Ms Hospitality". She gave me my first taste of raw milk straight from the cow and my first real eggnog. My thoughts and prayers are with you the family.

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Memorial Events
for Arlene Tiersma

Sep

16

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Visalia Christian Reformed Church

1030 S. Linwood, Visalia, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

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