Grace (Mead) Copeland Balkema, 92, passed away in her sleep Nov. 20, 2013. Grace was a resident of Whidbey Island for 16 years and belonged to the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. Prior to 1988, she resided in Kettering, Ohio for 30 years.

Grace was born in Evanston, Ill. in 1921 to Frederick Copeland and Grace Hoerlein.

Grace attended Knox University and joined Beta Delta Pi Beta Phi Sorority and was a member of the Ladies Mutual Improvement Society.

She graduated from Northwestern College, as a war bride, with a degree in English literature of the romantic period.

Grace was married to John Edward Balkema Jr., a WWII veteran. John and Grace were married for 53 years.

During WWII, Grace applied to the War Production Board and worked in the office pool of Bell and Howell.

She was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Dayton, Ohio and St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Freeland, Wash. She loved to travel across the world via train, ship or plane and was an avid golfer and reader. She was an awesome “Gran” to all her grandkids, full of crafty ideas and games. She loved a great cocktail party and was a host of many events.

In Heaven, Grace now joins her husband John, parents Frederick and Grace, brother Frederick, sisters Mary and Janet and granddaughter Shannon.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeff Balkema and wife Tina of Whidbey Island, Wash.; and Robert Balkema and wife Barbara of Snohomish Wash.; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Grace’s family will have a private celebration of her life on Whidbey Island in the coming weeks. Grace supported the efforts of World Vision. Remembrances may be made to World Vision, or a church or charity of your choice.