Hellegers-Hettema Family Tree

(Letter of condolence to Sjoukje Douma Hettema from her mother, the widow of Meye Douma, Heeg, Netherlands, written for her by Marie Gerrits Visjer, who later married Thijs Nauta, father-in-law of Corneilius A. Hettema)

[This is a translation from a photostat manuscript. On the photostat with the ms is a card: HUVELIJKS-BEKENDMAKING van ANSKE H. HETTEMA van St. Anna EN DJOUKJR M. DOUMA van HEeeg --- EERSTE AFKONDIGING OF ZONDAG 1 NOVEMBER 1968.]

Heeg 3 Aug. 1888

Dear Daughter,

We are by the grace of God in good health and hope you may receive this letter in the same condition, we have received your letter about the sad passing away of your dear husband, as well as the sad news last year of the passing of your dear baby daughter May. And that in that far off strange land, it must surely be a terribly trying time for you.

However, you no doubt will have much comfort from your brother, Cornelius and his family, who no doubt will help you in your future plans, and then the older children are soon able to work and help provide for the family needs also.

We would love to hear more about how your family are doing and also from Cornelius and Trina (Granima's brother and wife) and children.

Now dear Sadie, that is the struggle we have in this life--one passes on here and another there. We are indeed blessed in that we have a Savior in Jesus who has gone to prepare a place for all believers, and I know that must give you some comfort in this tragic time. May God give you what is needed to carry on.

Be sure and give our regards to Cornelius and family and let us hear from both of you soon again.

Yours as ever,
The widow of
Beywon Douma,
as also your friend,
Marie Gerrits Visjea

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[Florence Heynen added the following note to this letter:]

I had this copy of Great Grandmother Douma's letter in my Hettema file. Edythe Strayer gave me a copy years ago & wondered where the original was.
Florence H