Edith Constance Braaksma

Loving daughter, devoted wife, caring sister and mother, professional hairstylist, seamstress and gardener extraordinaire, Edith Constance Braaksma age 75 went home Tuesday October 24, 2023. She was born March 11, 1948 in Java Indonesia and immigrated to America with her family at a very young age; she was raised in a loving community of other Dutch Indonesian families along with her siblings. Soon after high school she met the love of her life, Errol. Together they raised two loving daughters who will always cherish the care and kindness given. Whether it was a homemade meal or handmade clothing, Mom expressed her love in everything. She was not one to be the center of attention. She expressed her feelings through the little things like never forgetting a birthday or an anniversary. Edith Braaksma a woman of faith and beauty, she expressed both in her garden where she spent hours kneeling in work and prayer. Scleroderma took away her hands, her health, and her wellbeing but it never touched her spirit, strength, or her faith.

Preceded in death by her devoted loving husband Errol Braaksma, her fur babies Max and Daisey, her parents George and Jan's Bruggeman, n-laws Anthonius and Mavis Braaksma, and Napoleon Bedier Prairie, brother-n-laws Arthur Braaksma, Paul Dube, David Paugh, Chuck Ursich, and Bob Swaney. Edie will be missed by her loved daughters and son-n-laws Cynthia (Josh) Beegle and Angelina (Jon) Schlomer, and fur baby Zowie; grandchildren Joshua (Ashley) Beaty, Lanie Braaksma, Alicia (John) Bullock, Adam (Mireia) Beaty and Haley Schlomer; great grandchildren Avalyn and Mia Beaty, Cylis and Maximilian Braaksma, Isabella and Zoe Bullock; siblings Ingrid Paugh, Linda (Mark) LaForce, George (Connie) Bruggeman, Arlis (Kathy) Bruggeman, Dwight (Charlene) Bruggeman; siblings-n-laws Anita (David) Adams, Patsy (Dave) Bowling, Maureen Bedier Prairie, Anthony Braaksma, Ivan (Lisa) Braaksma, Kenny (Erin) Braaksma; numerous nieces and nephews, and many other loved relatives.

In order to have a testimony you have to have a test. Edith's life was not her own and she lived according to Gods plan. Her testimony represents her unwavering hope, faith, and belief in Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Even through extreme suffering she bore her cross with grace. Her parting wish was that her family would know the Lord as their Savior and that we would all reunite in Heaven. Five days prior to her passing she claimed God had allowed her to take a look around Heaven, describing it as very beautiful. Edith expressed her happiness and excitement as she was in complete contentment. Her last message to all is to be ready because it will not be long before He calls us all home. May her testimony be used to help others overcome their life's storms.

As a family we will truly be missing her. But we find comfort in knowing that she is now made whole. We will imagine her attending to the flowers and gardens in Heaven and pulling Dad away when he gets distracted in conversation. Until then death will not break our bonds for we shall meet again.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Huber Heights Church of God, 6900 Brandt Pike. Funeral services will begin at 12:00pm. Edith will be laid to rest at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.


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