9/11/16~5/24/03
Arentje (Irene) Van der Meyde Leydsman, 86, was born to Adrianus Van der Meyde and Jannetje den Hartigh, in Spykenisse, Holland on September 11, 1916. She passed away in Salt Lake City on May 24, 2003 to the open arms of her husband, family and loving friends who preceded her.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who had the privilege to know her. In 1949 she traveled to America to visit her family in New Jersey. There she met and married Adolf Leydsman. She had two sons, Wayne (Thomasania), and Earl Kim (Guadalupe), and was a wonderful stepmother to Henry (Jen) Leydsman and Eleanor Ruth Nicholas (deceased). She raised her sons in both Union, and then Somerset, N.J. In 1970 the family moved to Salt Lake City.
She is survived by her sons, grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her loving niece, Delores Del Peschio, of N.J., and numerous family members and friends located here and abroad.
Throughout her life, Irene demonstrated many acts of kindness and compassion to others. She embraced every aspect of life, loving and caring for people, animals, especially her beloved dog, Blackie, and the beauties of nature. Following the death of her husband, she worked at Holy Cross Hospital until her retirement. She left an indelible and positive imprint on everyone who had the good fortune to call her mother, grandmother (Oma), friend and neighbor.
She had lived through many difficult times, such as war-torn Europe, illness, and the death of loved ones. She taught us to search and to find that which resides on the brighter side of life. She was keen of mind and will be greatly missed.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was sealed to her husband and family in the Logan Temple.
Services and interment will be at Lake Hills Memorial Park, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah. Services will be held Thursday, May 29, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the services.
Our thanks to Residence Care Source hospice staff for their loving care during Irene's final days.