Winnifred was the second of seven children, born in the former Dutch settlement Cramersburg in the rural municipality Miry Creek, five miles south of the River Saskatchewan, about 10 miles north of Abbey and 25 miles northwest of Cabri, in the southwestern part of the Canadian south central province Saskatchewan.
In 1916 Winnifred (1 y), her father Duke Leep (27 y), her mother Edith (26 y) and her brother Clarence (2 y) were administrated in Cabri, about 25 miles southeast of Cramersburg.
Winifred and Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school.
Later on Duke and Edith Leep had five more children, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
The Leeps' time in Canada would be short-lived. Because of animal diseases, coldness, drought, dustbowls, grasshopper invasions, several successive crop failures and low grain prices Winifred's family moved in 1922 back to Chicago. A few years later they moved, like her uncle David Leep's family, to the small gardeners town of East Martin, Allegan County, in the western part of Michigan and her father Duke started like his brother David raising onions on shares.
In 1930 Winnifred (14 y), her parents Duke Leep (41 y), Edith (40 y), her siblings Clarence (16 y, born in Canada), Charles (13 y, Canada), Clara (10 y, Canada), Joseph (8 y, Canada), Jennie (4 y, Michigan) and Florence (1 y, Michigan) resided in Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. The family of Winifred's uncle David Leep was living there too.
In 1940 Winnifred (25 y), her father Duke Leep (51 y, farmer), her mothher Edith (50 y), her siblings Charles (23 y), Joseph H (18 y), Jennie (14 y) and Florence (11 y) lived at an own farm, worth $5000, in Martin Township, mailing address Shelbyville, Allegan County, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids. They lived in 1935 in the same house.
Winnifred married on 24 April 1942 at the age of almost 27 years to the one year younger John A. Brink.
Sid and John had three daughters, Phyllis Elaine, who passed away in 1945 as a newborn, Kathy and June.
Her husband John Brink died in 1980 in Martin, Allegan County, at the age of 74 years. Winnifred celebrated in 1995 her 80th birthday in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died in 2005 in Plainwell, Allegan County at the age of 89 years.
LIFESTORY of Winnifred Brink
Apr 29th 1915 - Apr 6th 2005
Winnifred Brink can best be described in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs. She was the "Wife of Noble Character." "She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family…She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…she is clothed with strength and dignity…She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Winnifred, who went by the name, Sid, was a loving mother and devoted wife. She lived to serve the Lord and that was evident in everything she did.
In Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, Duke and Edith (Dykstra) Leep may have had elementary education on their mind, because they were parents to 7 intelligent and hard working children. Duke and Edith gave birth to their daughter, Winnifred, on April 29th, 1915. Winnifred's siblings were, Clarence, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
Duke and Edith Leep started their family on a homestead, on the prairies of Saskatchewan. At the young age of five,"Sid," and her brother Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school. Sid did well in school and enjoyed the years she spent studying and learning about the world. Because she was needed back home to help with her siblings and the farming, she had to finish her schooling at the eighth grade level, something Sid always regretted.
When Sid was young, the family moved to Chicago, IL. The years of drought that overcame the area of Cabri led to their relocation. While in Chicago Sid worked outside the home to help support the family by cleaning and doing laundry.
When she was a teenager, Sid and her family moved to Martin, MI. She continued working hard for the family farm and helping out with her siblings. Her parents had a onion and celery farm that kept all the children busy. There where times on the farm that they ate only what they were able to grow, yet they were taught to always be grateful. Sid was willing to do her part for the family finances. On the hot days, the children would all go down to Pratt Lake to cool off. Because they didn't have extra money to spend on toys or vacations, the fun Sid cherished most were the times she spent playing with her siblings and her cousins.
Sid was raised in a strong Christian home. She had a tight knit family that stood by one another throughout their lives. They attended East Martin Christian Reformed Church and were very active within their church community. It was at a church youth activity that Sid was introduced to a handsome gentleman named John Brink. It wasn't long before he won her heart and Sid and John were married after a short courtship on April 24th, 1942.
From 1948 until 1973, John and Sid owned a farm which produced cash crops, and raised cattle and hogs. Sid was a very hard worker and could do most anything required of farm life. She spent hours canning and freezing foods, sewed most of the children's clothes and also prepared the best meals. Sid loved to make others feel special and looked forward to preparing big Sunday dinners for those she loved. She was a great cook and the most popular item she prepared was her homemade Chiffon Cake. Sid had a servant's heart. She was known to bake treats that she would deliver to others for encouragement.
Sid and John had three precious girls, however, their first born daughter, Phyllis Elaine, passed away as a newborn. Their other two daughters, Kathy and June were nurtured and deeply loved by their mother, Sid. It was John that was known to be the disciplinarian around the home, because Sid was much softer on the girls. She often read them Bible stories on her lap. She would sing hymns and play the piano for them to enjoy as well. Sid especially loved hearing the girls sing along as she played the piano, which she learned to play by ear. Sid was influential in raising the girls in the ways of the Lord.
Sid's life was spent being devoted to her family and her church. She was not only a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, but also an associate member of 3rd Reformed Church of Kalamazoo. She played the organ for the East Martin Church and hosted Dutch Hymn Sings at her home. She also loved hosting coffee socials at her home after church on Sundays.
In 1973, John became too ill with cancer to continue farm life, so they built a home on 112th Ave. Sid took exceptional care of John and when he was well enough, they were able to take a few trips, seeing Alaska and the Caribbean. John died in 1980, after 38 beautiful years of marriage to Sid.
Although Sid missed John, she did her best to continue living. She loved being near her family. Sid cherished her time spent with Kathy's family, which included her husband Jerry and children Lorin and Melinda as well as June, her husband, Doug and their two girls, Rebecca and Rachel. Sid also remained active in her church. She continued traveling including taking a trip with them to the Holy Land. She spent time with her friends as well as time caring for her garden. She especially enjoyed raising her favorite flowers, Gladiolas and African Violets.
Although Sid will be deeply missed, her legacy of Christ-like love and dedication to family leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a Godly example to follow.
Winnifred B. "Sid" Brink, of Martin, died April 6th, 2005, at the Life Care Nursing Center of Plainwell. Sid was preceded in death by her husband, John Brink, newborn daughter, Phyllis Elaine, sister, Clara "Bea" Talsma, brothers, Charles and Dr. Joseph Leep. Sid's family members include daughters, June (Douglas) Pomeroy of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (Gerald) Kaney of Flint, grandchildren, Lorin and Melinda Kaney, Rebecca and Rachel Pomeroy, sister, Jennie Holmholdt of Jenison, Florence (Harold) Tuinstra of Shelbyville, brother, Clarence (Alyda) Leep of Shelbyville, sister in laws, Alice Leep of Grand Rapids and Ann Adrian of Shelbyville.
To learn more about Winnifred's (Sid) life, friends may visit with her family from 2-4p.m. and from 6-8p.m. Friday at Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 11a.m. Saturday at East Martin Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Winnifred's (Sid) personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers on line or make a memorial contribution to the East Martin Christian School.
In 1916 Winnifred (1 y), her father Duke Leep (27 y), her mother Edith (26 y) and her brother Clarence (2 y) were administrated in Cabri, about 25 miles southeast of Cramersburg.
Winifred and Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school.
Later on Duke and Edith Leep had five more children, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
The Leeps' time in Canada would be short-lived. Because of animal diseases, coldness, drought, dustbowls, grasshopper invasions, several successive crop failures and low grain prices Winifred's family moved in 1922 back to Chicago. A few years later they moved, like her uncle David Leep's family, to the small gardeners town of East Martin, Allegan County, in the western part of Michigan and her father Duke started like his brother David raising onions on shares.
In 1930 Winnifred (14 y), her parents Duke Leep (41 y), Edith (40 y), her siblings Clarence (16 y, born in Canada), Charles (13 y, Canada), Clara (10 y, Canada), Joseph (8 y, Canada), Jennie (4 y, Michigan) and Florence (1 y, Michigan) resided in Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. The family of Winifred's uncle David Leep was living there too.
In 1940 Winnifred (25 y), her father Duke Leep (51 y, farmer), her mothher Edith (50 y), her siblings Charles (23 y), Joseph H (18 y), Jennie (14 y) and Florence (11 y) lived at an own farm, worth $5000, in Martin Township, mailing address Shelbyville, Allegan County, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids. They lived in 1935 in the same house.
Winnifred married on 24 April 1942 at the age of almost 27 years to the one year younger John A. Brink.
Sid and John had three daughters, Phyllis Elaine, who passed away in 1945 as a newborn, Kathy and June.
Her husband John Brink died in 1980 in Martin, Allegan County, at the age of 74 years. Winnifred celebrated in 1995 her 80th birthday in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died in 2005 in Plainwell, Allegan County at the age of 89 years.
LIFESTORY of Winnifred Brink
Apr 29th 1915 - Apr 6th 2005
Winnifred Brink can best be described in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs. She was the "Wife of Noble Character." "She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family…She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…she is clothed with strength and dignity…She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Winnifred, who went by the name, Sid, was a loving mother and devoted wife. She lived to serve the Lord and that was evident in everything she did.
In Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, Duke and Edith (Dykstra) Leep may have had elementary education on their mind, because they were parents to 7 intelligent and hard working children. Duke and Edith gave birth to their daughter, Winnifred, on April 29th, 1915. Winnifred's siblings were, Clarence, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
Duke and Edith Leep started their family on a homestead, on the prairies of Saskatchewan. At the young age of five,"Sid," and her brother Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school. Sid did well in school and enjoyed the years she spent studying and learning about the world. Because she was needed back home to help with her siblings and the farming, she had to finish her schooling at the eighth grade level, something Sid always regretted.
When Sid was young, the family moved to Chicago, IL. The years of drought that overcame the area of Cabri led to their relocation. While in Chicago Sid worked outside the home to help support the family by cleaning and doing laundry.
When she was a teenager, Sid and her family moved to Martin, MI. She continued working hard for the family farm and helping out with her siblings. Her parents had a onion and celery farm that kept all the children busy. There where times on the farm that they ate only what they were able to grow, yet they were taught to always be grateful. Sid was willing to do her part for the family finances. On the hot days, the children would all go down to Pratt Lake to cool off. Because they didn't have extra money to spend on toys or vacations, the fun Sid cherished most were the times she spent playing with her siblings and her cousins.
Sid was raised in a strong Christian home. She had a tight knit family that stood by one another throughout their lives. They attended East Martin Christian Reformed Church and were very active within their church community. It was at a church youth activity that Sid was introduced to a handsome gentleman named John Brink. It wasn't long before he won her heart and Sid and John were married after a short courtship on April 24th, 1942.
From 1948 until 1973, John and Sid owned a farm which produced cash crops, and raised cattle and hogs. Sid was a very hard worker and could do most anything required of farm life. She spent hours canning and freezing foods, sewed most of the children's clothes and also prepared the best meals. Sid loved to make others feel special and looked forward to preparing big Sunday dinners for those she loved. She was a great cook and the most popular item she prepared was her homemade Chiffon Cake. Sid had a servant's heart. She was known to bake treats that she would deliver to others for encouragement.
Sid and John had three precious girls, however, their first born daughter, Phyllis Elaine, passed away as a newborn. Their other two daughters, Kathy and June were nurtured and deeply loved by their mother, Sid. It was John that was known to be the disciplinarian around the home, because Sid was much softer on the girls. She often read them Bible stories on her lap. She would sing hymns and play the piano for them to enjoy as well. Sid especially loved hearing the girls sing along as she played the piano, which she learned to play by ear. Sid was influential in raising the girls in the ways of the Lord.
Sid's life was spent being devoted to her family and her church. She was not only a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, but also an associate member of 3rd Reformed Church of Kalamazoo. She played the organ for the East Martin Church and hosted Dutch Hymn Sings at her home. She also loved hosting coffee socials at her home after church on Sundays.
In 1973, John became too ill with cancer to continue farm life, so they built a home on 112th Ave. Sid took exceptional care of John and when he was well enough, they were able to take a few trips, seeing Alaska and the Caribbean. John died in 1980, after 38 beautiful years of marriage to Sid.
Although Sid missed John, she did her best to continue living. She loved being near her family. Sid cherished her time spent with Kathy's family, which included her husband Jerry and children Lorin and Melinda as well as June, her husband, Doug and their two girls, Rebecca and Rachel. Sid also remained active in her church. She continued traveling including taking a trip with them to the Holy Land. She spent time with her friends as well as time caring for her garden. She especially enjoyed raising her favorite flowers, Gladiolas and African Violets.
Although Sid will be deeply missed, her legacy of Christ-like love and dedication to family leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a Godly example to follow.
Winnifred B. "Sid" Brink, of Martin, died April 6th, 2005, at the Life Care Nursing Center of Plainwell. Sid was preceded in death by her husband, John Brink, newborn daughter, Phyllis Elaine, sister, Clara "Bea" Talsma, brothers, Charles and Dr. Joseph Leep. Sid's family members include daughters, June (Douglas) Pomeroy of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (Gerald) Kaney of Flint, grandchildren, Lorin and Melinda Kaney, Rebecca and Rachel Pomeroy, sister, Jennie Holmholdt of Jenison, Florence (Harold) Tuinstra of Shelbyville, brother, Clarence (Alyda) Leep of Shelbyville, sister in laws, Alice Leep of Grand Rapids and Ann Adrian of Shelbyville.
To learn more about Winnifred's (Sid) life, friends may visit with her family from 2-4p.m. and from 6-8p.m. Friday at Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 11a.m. Saturday at East Martin Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Winnifred's (Sid) personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers on line or make a memorial contribution to the East Martin Christian School.
Winnifred was the second of seven children, born in the former Dutch settlement Cramersburg in the rural municipality Miry Creek, five miles south of the River Saskatchewan, about 10 miles north of Abbey and 25 miles northwest of Cabri, in the southwestern part of the Canadian south central province Saskatchewan.
In 1916 Winnifred (1 y), her father Duke Leep (27 y), her mother Edith (26 y) and her brother Clarence (2 y) were administrated in Cabri, about 25 miles southeast of Cramersburg.
Winifred and Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school.
Later on Duke and Edith Leep had five more children, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
The Leeps' time in Canada would be short-lived. Because of animal diseases, coldness, drought, dustbowls, grasshopper invasions, several successive crop failures and low grain prices Winifred's family moved in 1922 back to Chicago. A few years later they moved, like her uncle David Leep's family, to the small gardeners town of East Martin, Allegan County, in the western part of Michigan and her father Duke started like his brother David raising onions on shares.
In 1930 Winnifred (14 y), her parents Duke Leep (41 y), Edith (40 y), her siblings Clarence (16 y, born in Canada), Charles (13 y, Canada), Clara (10 y, Canada), Joseph (8 y, Canada), Jennie (4 y, Michigan) and Florence (1 y, Michigan) resided in Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. The family of Winifred's uncle David Leep was living there too.
In 1940 Winnifred (25 y), her father Duke Leep (51 y, farmer), her mothher Edith (50 y), her siblings Charles (23 y), Joseph H (18 y), Jennie (14 y) and Florence (11 y) lived at an own farm, worth $5000, in Martin Township, mailing address Shelbyville, Allegan County, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids. They lived in 1935 in the same house.
Winnifred married on 24 April 1942 at the age of almost 27 years to the one year younger John A. Brink.
Sid and John had three daughters, Phyllis Elaine, who passed away in 1945 as a newborn, Kathy and June.
Her husband John Brink died in 1980 in Martin, Allegan County, at the age of 74 years. Winnifred celebrated in 1995 her 80th birthday in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died in 2005 in Plainwell, Allegan County at the age of 89 years.
LIFESTORY of Winnifred Brink
Apr 29th 1915 - Apr 6th 2005
Winnifred Brink can best be described in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs. She was the "Wife of Noble Character." "She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family…She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…she is clothed with strength and dignity…She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Winnifred, who went by the name, Sid, was a loving mother and devoted wife. She lived to serve the Lord and that was evident in everything she did.
In Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, Duke and Edith (Dykstra) Leep may have had elementary education on their mind, because they were parents to 7 intelligent and hard working children. Duke and Edith gave birth to their daughter, Winnifred, on April 29th, 1915. Winnifred's siblings were, Clarence, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
Duke and Edith Leep started their family on a homestead, on the prairies of Saskatchewan. At the young age of five,"Sid," and her brother Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school. Sid did well in school and enjoyed the years she spent studying and learning about the world. Because she was needed back home to help with her siblings and the farming, she had to finish her schooling at the eighth grade level, something Sid always regretted.
When Sid was young, the family moved to Chicago, IL. The years of drought that overcame the area of Cabri led to their relocation. While in Chicago Sid worked outside the home to help support the family by cleaning and doing laundry.
When she was a teenager, Sid and her family moved to Martin, MI. She continued working hard for the family farm and helping out with her siblings. Her parents had a onion and celery farm that kept all the children busy. There where times on the farm that they ate only what they were able to grow, yet they were taught to always be grateful. Sid was willing to do her part for the family finances. On the hot days, the children would all go down to Pratt Lake to cool off. Because they didn't have extra money to spend on toys or vacations, the fun Sid cherished most were the times she spent playing with her siblings and her cousins.
Sid was raised in a strong Christian home. She had a tight knit family that stood by one another throughout their lives. They attended East Martin Christian Reformed Church and were very active within their church community. It was at a church youth activity that Sid was introduced to a handsome gentleman named John Brink. It wasn't long before he won her heart and Sid and John were married after a short courtship on April 24th, 1942.
From 1948 until 1973, John and Sid owned a farm which produced cash crops, and raised cattle and hogs. Sid was a very hard worker and could do most anything required of farm life. She spent hours canning and freezing foods, sewed most of the children's clothes and also prepared the best meals. Sid loved to make others feel special and looked forward to preparing big Sunday dinners for those she loved. She was a great cook and the most popular item she prepared was her homemade Chiffon Cake. Sid had a servant's heart. She was known to bake treats that she would deliver to others for encouragement.
Sid and John had three precious girls, however, their first born daughter, Phyllis Elaine, passed away as a newborn. Their other two daughters, Kathy and June were nurtured and deeply loved by their mother, Sid. It was John that was known to be the disciplinarian around the home, because Sid was much softer on the girls. She often read them Bible stories on her lap. She would sing hymns and play the piano for them to enjoy as well. Sid especially loved hearing the girls sing along as she played the piano, which she learned to play by ear. Sid was influential in raising the girls in the ways of the Lord.
Sid's life was spent being devoted to her family and her church. She was not only a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, but also an associate member of 3rd Reformed Church of Kalamazoo. She played the organ for the East Martin Church and hosted Dutch Hymn Sings at her home. She also loved hosting coffee socials at her home after church on Sundays.
In 1973, John became too ill with cancer to continue farm life, so they built a home on 112th Ave. Sid took exceptional care of John and when he was well enough, they were able to take a few trips, seeing Alaska and the Caribbean. John died in 1980, after 38 beautiful years of marriage to Sid.
Although Sid missed John, she did her best to continue living. She loved being near her family. Sid cherished her time spent with Kathy's family, which included her husband Jerry and children Lorin and Melinda as well as June, her husband, Doug and their two girls, Rebecca and Rachel. Sid also remained active in her church. She continued traveling including taking a trip with them to the Holy Land. She spent time with her friends as well as time caring for her garden. She especially enjoyed raising her favorite flowers, Gladiolas and African Violets.
Although Sid will be deeply missed, her legacy of Christ-like love and dedication to family leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a Godly example to follow.
Winnifred B. "Sid" Brink, of Martin, died April 6th, 2005, at the Life Care Nursing Center of Plainwell. Sid was preceded in death by her husband, John Brink, newborn daughter, Phyllis Elaine, sister, Clara "Bea" Talsma, brothers, Charles and Dr. Joseph Leep. Sid's family members include daughters, June (Douglas) Pomeroy of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (Gerald) Kaney of Flint, grandchildren, Lorin and Melinda Kaney, Rebecca and Rachel Pomeroy, sister, Jennie Holmholdt of Jenison, Florence (Harold) Tuinstra of Shelbyville, brother, Clarence (Alyda) Leep of Shelbyville, sister in laws, Alice Leep of Grand Rapids and Ann Adrian of Shelbyville.
To learn more about Winnifred's (Sid) life, friends may visit with her family from 2-4p.m. and from 6-8p.m. Friday at Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 11a.m. Saturday at East Martin Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Winnifred's (Sid) personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers on line or make a memorial contribution to the East Martin Christian School.
In 1916 Winnifred (1 y), her father Duke Leep (27 y), her mother Edith (26 y) and her brother Clarence (2 y) were administrated in Cabri, about 25 miles southeast of Cramersburg.
Winifred and Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school.
Later on Duke and Edith Leep had five more children, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
The Leeps' time in Canada would be short-lived. Because of animal diseases, coldness, drought, dustbowls, grasshopper invasions, several successive crop failures and low grain prices Winifred's family moved in 1922 back to Chicago. A few years later they moved, like her uncle David Leep's family, to the small gardeners town of East Martin, Allegan County, in the western part of Michigan and her father Duke started like his brother David raising onions on shares.
In 1930 Winnifred (14 y), her parents Duke Leep (41 y), Edith (40 y), her siblings Clarence (16 y, born in Canada), Charles (13 y, Canada), Clara (10 y, Canada), Joseph (8 y, Canada), Jennie (4 y, Michigan) and Florence (1 y, Michigan) resided in Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. The family of Winifred's uncle David Leep was living there too.
In 1940 Winnifred (25 y), her father Duke Leep (51 y, farmer), her mothher Edith (50 y), her siblings Charles (23 y), Joseph H (18 y), Jennie (14 y) and Florence (11 y) lived at an own farm, worth $5000, in Martin Township, mailing address Shelbyville, Allegan County, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids. They lived in 1935 in the same house.
Winnifred married on 24 April 1942 at the age of almost 27 years to the one year younger John A. Brink.
Sid and John had three daughters, Phyllis Elaine, who passed away in 1945 as a newborn, Kathy and June.
Her husband John Brink died in 1980 in Martin, Allegan County, at the age of 74 years. Winnifred celebrated in 1995 her 80th birthday in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died in 2005 in Plainwell, Allegan County at the age of 89 years.
LIFESTORY of Winnifred Brink
Apr 29th 1915 - Apr 6th 2005
Winnifred Brink can best be described in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs. She was the "Wife of Noble Character." "She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family…She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…she is clothed with strength and dignity…She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Winnifred, who went by the name, Sid, was a loving mother and devoted wife. She lived to serve the Lord and that was evident in everything she did.
In Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, Duke and Edith (Dykstra) Leep may have had elementary education on their mind, because they were parents to 7 intelligent and hard working children. Duke and Edith gave birth to their daughter, Winnifred, on April 29th, 1915. Winnifred's siblings were, Clarence, Clara, Joseph, Charles, Jennie and Florence.
Duke and Edith Leep started their family on a homestead, on the prairies of Saskatchewan. At the young age of five,"Sid," and her brother Clarence drove a horse and buggy on their own for two miles to reach their school. Sid did well in school and enjoyed the years she spent studying and learning about the world. Because she was needed back home to help with her siblings and the farming, she had to finish her schooling at the eighth grade level, something Sid always regretted.
When Sid was young, the family moved to Chicago, IL. The years of drought that overcame the area of Cabri led to their relocation. While in Chicago Sid worked outside the home to help support the family by cleaning and doing laundry.
When she was a teenager, Sid and her family moved to Martin, MI. She continued working hard for the family farm and helping out with her siblings. Her parents had a onion and celery farm that kept all the children busy. There where times on the farm that they ate only what they were able to grow, yet they were taught to always be grateful. Sid was willing to do her part for the family finances. On the hot days, the children would all go down to Pratt Lake to cool off. Because they didn't have extra money to spend on toys or vacations, the fun Sid cherished most were the times she spent playing with her siblings and her cousins.
Sid was raised in a strong Christian home. She had a tight knit family that stood by one another throughout their lives. They attended East Martin Christian Reformed Church and were very active within their church community. It was at a church youth activity that Sid was introduced to a handsome gentleman named John Brink. It wasn't long before he won her heart and Sid and John were married after a short courtship on April 24th, 1942.
From 1948 until 1973, John and Sid owned a farm which produced cash crops, and raised cattle and hogs. Sid was a very hard worker and could do most anything required of farm life. She spent hours canning and freezing foods, sewed most of the children's clothes and also prepared the best meals. Sid loved to make others feel special and looked forward to preparing big Sunday dinners for those she loved. She was a great cook and the most popular item she prepared was her homemade Chiffon Cake. Sid had a servant's heart. She was known to bake treats that she would deliver to others for encouragement.
Sid and John had three precious girls, however, their first born daughter, Phyllis Elaine, passed away as a newborn. Their other two daughters, Kathy and June were nurtured and deeply loved by their mother, Sid. It was John that was known to be the disciplinarian around the home, because Sid was much softer on the girls. She often read them Bible stories on her lap. She would sing hymns and play the piano for them to enjoy as well. Sid especially loved hearing the girls sing along as she played the piano, which she learned to play by ear. Sid was influential in raising the girls in the ways of the Lord.
Sid's life was spent being devoted to her family and her church. She was not only a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, but also an associate member of 3rd Reformed Church of Kalamazoo. She played the organ for the East Martin Church and hosted Dutch Hymn Sings at her home. She also loved hosting coffee socials at her home after church on Sundays.
In 1973, John became too ill with cancer to continue farm life, so they built a home on 112th Ave. Sid took exceptional care of John and when he was well enough, they were able to take a few trips, seeing Alaska and the Caribbean. John died in 1980, after 38 beautiful years of marriage to Sid.
Although Sid missed John, she did her best to continue living. She loved being near her family. Sid cherished her time spent with Kathy's family, which included her husband Jerry and children Lorin and Melinda as well as June, her husband, Doug and their two girls, Rebecca and Rachel. Sid also remained active in her church. She continued traveling including taking a trip with them to the Holy Land. She spent time with her friends as well as time caring for her garden. She especially enjoyed raising her favorite flowers, Gladiolas and African Violets.
Although Sid will be deeply missed, her legacy of Christ-like love and dedication to family leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a Godly example to follow.
Winnifred B. "Sid" Brink, of Martin, died April 6th, 2005, at the Life Care Nursing Center of Plainwell. Sid was preceded in death by her husband, John Brink, newborn daughter, Phyllis Elaine, sister, Clara "Bea" Talsma, brothers, Charles and Dr. Joseph Leep. Sid's family members include daughters, June (Douglas) Pomeroy of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (Gerald) Kaney of Flint, grandchildren, Lorin and Melinda Kaney, Rebecca and Rachel Pomeroy, sister, Jennie Holmholdt of Jenison, Florence (Harold) Tuinstra of Shelbyville, brother, Clarence (Alyda) Leep of Shelbyville, sister in laws, Alice Leep of Grand Rapids and Ann Adrian of Shelbyville.
To learn more about Winnifred's (Sid) life, friends may visit with her family from 2-4p.m. and from 6-8p.m. Friday at Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 11a.m. Saturday at East Martin Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Winnifred's (Sid) personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers on line or make a memorial contribution to the East Martin Christian School.
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