She was born on March 11, 1924, in Oosterbierum, Friesland, Netherlands, the daughter of Hendrik v. d. Wey and Reintje v. d. Wey-Schoelier. The eldest of seven, she is survived by Tina (Albert Dykstra) of Hudsonville, MI, Donald (Martha) v.d. Wey of Richfield Springs, NY, Ann (Wiebe Viersma) of Gettysburg, PA, Jenny (Pieter Oskam, deceased) of Taneytown and John (Joan) v.d.Wey of Hudsonville, MI. She was predeceased by Raymond (Helen) v.d. Wey.
She emigrated from the Netherlands with her family in June of 1947 and met her future husband Bill while her family was farming in northern New Jersey. She was employed as a governess and private cook in Goshen, New York, until her marriage on October 20, 1950. The Elgersmas were dairy farmers in New Jersey for twenty-two years and then moved their entire operation to Westminster, MD in 1972. Shirley was actively involved in the family farm, but she was first and foremost a homemaker, wife, and mother.
She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Rita Elgersma. She is survived by her son Franklin (Frank) married to Virginia (Ginny) Elgersma, her daughter Renée married to David Hernley, and son Henry (Hank) married to Patti Elgersma; her grandchildren Erika married to Daryl Long, Erin married to Ricky Arbogast, Paul Hernley, Lauren Hernley, John Hernley, William married to Kim Elgersma, Christina Elgersma, James married to Sara Elgersma, Terri Elgersma, Sabrina Elgersma, Mary Elgersma, David Elgersma, and Rita Elgersma; and six great-grandchildren Emily and Brooklyn Long, Jeremiah, Evan, Luke, and Liam Elgersma. These were all her joy and desire. The family was privileged to care for her in her home for many years, but in particular, Frank and Ginnie stayed with her daily while her grandson, David, stayed with her through the nights for the last eight years before leaving for college this fall.
Wherever she lived, Shirley was also actively involved with her church family as a choir member, soloist, Sunday school teacher, and participated in the Ladies’ Aide. She loved her church home and her Pastor, Andrew Reisberg, who will help us celebrate her eternal life in Jesus Christ on Monday, December 2, at eleven o’clock morning at Frizzellburg Bible Church, Westminster, MD.
Remembrance gifts may be directed to Frizzellburg Bible Church, Westminster. Arrangements are with the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home of Taneytown. A time of viewing will be held for the hour preceding the service of celebration. Her final resting place will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg.