Phyllis Mae Westra went to be with her Lord and Savior August 1, 2026, at the age of 91. Phyllis was born July 13, 1935, the daughter of Henry and Hazel VandeZande and grew up on their farm near Waupun, Wisconsin. She attended a one-room schoolhouse until high school.
After graduating, she worked for several years as a teller at the State Bank of Waupun. Phyllis was also a church organist and played piano for a men’s gospel quartet. In 1957 she married Jerry Westra, had 5 children and moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1972. Jerry and Phyllis enjoyed 61 years together, a true love story.
Her family is thankful for their mother and grandmother’s life and legacy of love. Phyllis is survived by her children, Beth (Mark) Egan, Ruth (Norman) Cruikshank, William (Sharon) Westra, Michael (Kendra) Westra and Peter (Jessica) Westra along with 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother Neil (Judy) VandeZande and longtime best friend Wil Vreman.
A woman of faith, Phyllis was a longtime member of the Christian Reformed Church of Bradenton, Florida. She had a humble servant's heart. Many people were the recipients of her fresh baked cookies and breads. She was an avid reader, and loved doing crossword puzzles, playing the piano, making holidays special for her large family and going out for coffee with friends. For the last 9 years she has resided at the Westminster Bradenton Manor. She was treasured and will be deeply missed.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Russell VandeZande and sister Shirley Sjoerdsma.
The family extends their thanks to the Assisted Living staff at the Westminster Manor and also to Tidewell Hospice for their caregiving.
A visitation will take place at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Bradenton Christian Reformed Church, 4208 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Private interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.
