Word has been received of the death Wednesday of longtime community activist Dorothy DeWeerd, whom Townbroadcast called Wayland’s “Iron Lady.” She was 94.
Born March 28, 1928, she was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Larson and was valedictorian of the Wayland High School Class of 1946. In 1948, she married Fire Chief Hugh DeWeerd, who owned a plumbing and heating business in town, which continues to this day under family leadership. Another son, Michael, served on the City Council, was mayor for two years and followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dr. Arthur Larson, as a local dentist.
Mrs. DeWeerd joined the Wayland Board of Education in 1967 and was elected president several times, serving for 22 years. She was a member of the board of directors for the Wayland Union Education Foundation and the Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. She was chosen as a recipient of the Wayland High School Alumni of Year award.
Dorothy was a charter member of Calvary Church of Wayland. She was an active member of the choir and missionary fellowship. She taught Sunday school and Women’s Bible study.
Dorothy was a member of the Wayland Union School Board of Education for 22 years. She was a member of the Wayland Planning Commission for 15 years and was also active in other civic organizations. Dorothy and her husband owned DeWeerd Plumbing and Heating for 40 years. After her retirement, she traveled extensively. Dorothy enjoyed gardening and reading for recreation.
She is survived by her children Sheri (Randy) Herrema, Michael (Martha) DeWeerd, John (Terry) DeWeerd, Nancy (Bob) Behling, Steven (Donna) DeWeerd, Ron (Nancy) DeWeerd; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Arthur and Ruby Larson; husband, Hugh DeWeerd; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Jeffery.
Visitation with Dorothy’s family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Calvary Church of Wayland, 304 Main St. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Calvary Church of Wayland. A private committal service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.
In honor of Dorothy, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church of Wayland Mission Fund, Wayland Area Ambulance, or Wayland Fire Department.