Barbara Jean (Van Dyke) Griffiths, 65, of Holland, MI, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Barb was born on November 7^th 1958, to Jean Henrietta and Robert John Van Dyke in Grand Rapids, MI. After Barb graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1976, she studied at Grand Rapids Community College.

She started her first job at the U.S. District Court as a Deputy Clerk. Following, she worked for a few years at Bethany Christian Services. From 1984 to 1992, she modeled for David and Company, Sylvia’s Bridal, and Calvin Klein. While her children were young, she and her dear friend ran their own house cleaning business, Christian Cleaners. When her children entered school, she worked many years for the Wyoming Public Schools as a librarian, teachers aid, para professional, etc. Later in life, she worked for Beechwood Church in Holland, MI, before happily retiring in 2019.

In 1982, Barb married Steven Bissonette in Grand Rapids, MI. Barb and Steve went on to have three children, Mike and twins Michelle and Brian. They were married for 28 years, and provided their children with a loving home and a wonderful childhood.

In retirement, Barb spent her time with her children and grandchildren. She was forever faithful in the Lord, and was a part of church groups and book clubs. Barb was an amazing hostess, and loved to have holiday parties in her cherished home. She was always bringing happiness and laughter wherever she went.  Her smile and personality was effervescent. Barb enjoyed going for long walks near the beach and never said no to a dance floor at an event. Most of all, she loved being on a pontoon ride, listening to great music and enjoying the company of the love of her life, Gary.    

Barb was predeceased by her beloved late husband Gary Michael Griffiths, Step Father Walter Willemstein, and Father Bob Van Dyke. She is survived by her children, Son and Daughter in Law Michael and Maureen Bissonette, Daughter and Son in Law Michelle and Franki Albanese, Son Brian Bissonette. The joys of her life, her grandchildren, Miyah, Dallas, Krew, Jude and Brynn. Her dear mother Jean Willemstein, brothers and sister in laws John and Laurie Van Dyke, Chuck and Beth Van Dyke. Special nieces, nephews, and dear friends from every stage of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4 - 8:30 pm at Macatawa Golf Club, 4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd. Holland, MI 49424.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Joyce Meyer Foundation, an organization Barb followed faithfully and knew that God put in her life.

Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He restores my soul. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD, forever.