Helen Jean Venema

Helen Jean Venema (nee: Verderber) was welcomed into Heaven April 19, 2025. She Was born in Washington PA on February 8 1931 to Otto and Helen Verderber. Her brothers John Alden Verderber, Joseph Glenn Verderber and James Lee Verderber have predeceased her, as have her parents. Her late husband Richard James Venema passed away in 2009.

She is survived by her son Richard Allen Venema (Wife Anne Elizabeth Venema), her grandchildren Stephen Jacob Venema (w/ Jessica and Charlotte ), Melissa Marie Venema (w/ son Landon) and Philip Sean Venema (w/ Linda and daughter Lainey); her nieces Suzanne Louise Verderber and Nancy Joan Verderber and Rebecca Verderber Shiver, nephews Gregory James Verderber, William Joseph Verderber (w/ Nell), David James Verderber (w/ Amy) and Mark Joseph Verderber and Gary Venema (and family) and Jill Miller (and family).

So vital for her recent years was Deb Augusta and Tony Beach, family in all but name. We thank them for their love and care of Jean.

She always went by her middle name and it is as Jean that her many friends came to know and love her.

She was a stewardess for Eastern Airlines when she met her soon-to-be husband Dick, a mechanic for Eastern. After they both retired from the airlines they both moved to Chiefland FL and later to Sebring, finally settling in at Thunderbird Hill.

Jean’s life was always characterized by her contagious smile and good nature, always ready with a funny story and equally ready to prepare a pot of soup, a pie or a cake for any and every occasion, in times of happy health or illness.

She was a vibrant member of her church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Avon Park FL and was a long-time member of the Lady’s Guild.

Most of all, Jean had a servant’s heart.

Her recent years and health issues brought her to independent living at the Manor on the Lake in Sebring FL, where she continued to share laughter and encouragement with the residents as well as the staff and management.

Sadly, a fall precipitated her sudden and final decline until her death on Saturday, April 19 2025 - Holy Saturday, where she took her first breath in Heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jean leaves a legacy of love and laughter. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, but always remembered for her indomitable determination, her bright smile and her love, laughter and encouragement.

A memorial mass will be held for Jean on May 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Avon Park FL.

Jean Venema, age 94, of Sebring, Florida passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025.