HOOGENSTRYD, BEJA LIENE

Beja Liene Hoogenstryd, 86, of Rochester Hills, MI, passed away on June 21, 2023. She was born in Overschie, The Netherlands, on February 26, 1937. Beja immediately lit up any room she entered. She was an optimistic, joyful presence and had an outgoing, bubbly personality. She loved her family and filled her home with warmth and gezelligheid. She was a compassionate, kind, and generous friend to those she cared for and a confidant to many. She instilled in her children the love of family, the importance of integrity and hard work, the love of nature, travel, boats, the great outdoors, and hanging around a campfire whenever possible. Beja was a phenomenal cook, an avid gardener, and a lover of flowers. Always athletic, she enjoyed playing sports and was a soccer and football fan. She especially loved watching the World Cup and rooting for the Detroit Lions. It is said that the Rainbow Bridge is a place in heaven where pet owners will once again be reunited with their loyal companions. We hope she was met at that bridge by an assemblage of cocker spaniels; she loved and owned many in her lifetime and was the definition of a dog lover. Beja will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, capacity to love, open-mindedness, great parties, and joy in life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Gerrit Hoogenstryd. From being immigrants to raising a family, life was a love-filled adventure for them. They pursued their passion for travel with their family and, in later years, together. Beja’s favorite destination was Alaska. Beja was fiercely proud of her children; she is survived by her son and two daughters- Max Hoogenstryd (Marsha) of Hartland, MI, Anita J. Boonstra (Johannes) of Rochester, MI, and Linda Parisi (Joe) of Shelby Township, MI. She is also survived by her much-loved grandchildren, to whom she was a fabulous Oma - Anneke Tuttle (Blake), Emma Boonstra (Kevin), Beja Parisi (Chris), Max Hoogenstryd, and Bennet Parisi. Beja is also survived by her dear brother Max Van Bergen of Palm Coast, Florida, and special niece, Letty Bergmans of Dokkum, The Netherlands. Per Beja’s request, a private family memorial will be held to celebrate her well-lived life. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association or Beaumont Hospice.