Lena A. Jongsma, 95, died peacefully Aug. 30, 2002, in Oak Harbor.

Funeral services are being held today, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. at Christian Reformed Church, Oak Harbor, the Rev. Harold Veldman officiating. Private family graveside services preceded at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor.

Lena Jongsma, a life-long resident of Whidbey Island, was born Nov. 6, 1906, to Martin and Cornelia Abrahamse on the family farm, where the chapel now stands at Ault Field, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Mrs. Jongsma attended Clover Valley School through the eighth grade, but continued her education throughout her 95 years. In her teen-age years she picked apples in Yakima, served as housekeeper at the Harry Smith residence in Coupeville and at age 19 married Sidney Sybren Jongsma. They celebrated 49 years of marriage.

Mrs. Jongsma was an active member of Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church, and served as Sunday school teacher at the church and its two missions at San de Fuca and Dewey Beach. She served as church organist to both the Reformed and Christian Reformed churches in Oak Harbor and filled leadership roles in church organizations. Her family recalls the hospitality she readily extended to members of the armed services who visited the church. She also served in many different capacities to aid the formation and growth of the local Christian school.

As a member of the Oak Harbor community, Lena took a very active role in politics, locally and nationally. She was an avid supporter and worker in the Republican Party. She held offices in Women’s Republican Club, was Precinct Committee woman, and served as a delegate to Republican conventions. She also was an active member of the local Toastmistress Club.

Her children testify to her entrepreneurial spirit as they recall that she made and sold homemade candy and chocolates, sold Fashion Frocks, Avon and Tupperware, made and sold clothing, baby layettes and established a hemstitching business — all while raising her family.

During the last year of her life, Mrs. Jongsma was lovingly cared for by the owners and staff of the Pasek Adult Family Home, 940 SW Second Ave., Oak Harbor.

Lena Jongsma is survived by five daughters and two sons: Kathleen Boon of Oak Harbor; Franklin (Lois) Jongsma, Rose (Karl) Lindall, Mary (Al) Wright, Lois (Andy) Vander Meulen, all of Mount Vernon; Glenn (Josie) Jongsma of Lompoc, Calif., and Coni (Carl) Huisman of Grand Rapids, Mich.; 35 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sidney, in 1975; brothers, Neal, John and Will; sisters, Nettie Hulst, Elizabeth Ronhaar, Jennie Van Dam, Josie Faber and son-in-law Martin Boon.

Memorials may be made to Oak Harbor Christian School, 675 E. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or to your favorite charity.