Dorothy “Dot” Kuperus was called home on May 25, 2025. Her death was sudden, but not completely unexpected since her diagnosis of Lewy Body disease the previous year. Nonetheless, those who loved her are heartbroken over their loss.

Dorothy was born on January 6, 1950 in Wynjewoude, Friesland, the Netherlands to Nicholas and Arlene (Talma) Kuperus. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings Trina Tolman, Florence Prinzen, Anita Collins, John Kuperus, Henrietta Sytsma and Simmie Perri. Dot never married and held a special place in the hearts of her brothers-in-law. Many of them also preceded her in death including Louis Tolman, Henk Prinzen, Robert Collins, Peter Borgdorff and Ben Perri.  She is survived by siblings Wilma VandenAkker (Adrian), Peter Kuperus (Shirley), Janet Borgdorff, Jaltina Kehr (Rick) and Myles Kupers (Glennys) as well as in-laws Annette Kuperus and Casey Sytsma. She is also survived by a lively and devoted troop of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even a few great-great nieces and nephews.

Dirkje, her given Dutch name, was the eleventh of twelve siblings and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was three-years-old. The Kuperus family settled on a farm in Sussex, New Jersey. Dot grew up there and graduated from Eastern Christian High School. She went on to earn her degree in education from Trinity Christian College in Illinois. Upon graduation, she went on to teach elementary school for a few years in Mt. Vernon, Washington. In the late 1970s she accepted a position at the Christian Reformed Church in North America and resettled in Grand Rapids to be closer to many of her beloved siblings and their families. She worked diligently at the CRCNA in product services for over 40 years and found much joy in her work and the relationships with her co-workers. She was also a member of Eastern Avenue Church since the late 1970s. Her quiet and steady faith was nurtured by that community, and they cared for her well as she aged.

These facts don’t tell the real story of who Dot was. As a private and introverted person, her circle of affection was not wide, but it was so very deep. She was content to be alone much of the time - especially if she had an editing or organizing project to keep her occupied. When invited to join a family gathering - which happens often when you have eleven siblings - she almost always said yes. She was wholeheartedly devoted to her extended family. She loved children, and was a safe and calm presence for them as they grew. Although she had no children of her own, the Borgdorff grandchildren lovingly referred to her as their second Beppe. On occasion, she would use her voice as Beppe Dot to advocate for those kids to their parents when she felt she could be helpful - and she was. She was a curious listener who took genuine interest in the lives of those she loved. She was a steadfast presence - remaining open to expanding her understanding of the world while also holding strong to her center. Those who loved her will remember and miss her for the ways she supported them from the background - never desiring the spotlight for herself. She did their dishes (so many times), held their babies, bought them chocolate letters, cleaned their new houses, carried their stories, and loved them well.

Please celebrate her life with us. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:30am. You are invited to visit the family on Tuesday, May 27 from 5:00-6:30pm. Both events will take place at Eastern Avenue Church (514 Eastern Avenue SE). If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Dot, please consider donating to causes close to her heart. David’s House Ministries (2251 Hope Grove Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49509) or the Saturday Food Program at Eastern Avenue Church (514 Eastern Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Checks can be made payable to Eastern Avenue Church with the specifics in the memo.