Laurie Nienkerk
Jan. 27, 1950-March 20, 2013
Woodside, California
Submitted by Emma Johnson
Lorraine (Johnson) Nienkerk, a Woodside resident and active member of the community, died on March 20, 2013, of complications from Lupus syndrome.
Laurie was the second of six children born to Roger and Anna (Dixon) Johnson. Born in Madison, South Dakota, Laurie was raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, where she met her husband of 42 years, Larry Nienkerk. The couple met in the sixth grade, dated in college, and were married in a double ceremony with her elder sister, Barbara, in 1971.
Laurie and Larry moved to the Bay Area in 1972. Laurie worked for many years as an X-ray technician, both at Mills Hospital and Menlo Medical Clinic.
While helping her husband build his fruit import business, she lovingly raised two children. Laurie was an incredible mother who developed strong relationships with many of her children?s friends and their families. Her two grandsons, Joey and Sam Johnson, brought her endless joy.
Laurie was a past president and active member of the Woodside Hills Garden Club and served for several years on the Mid-Peninsula High School Board of Trustees. She was an avid gardener, hiker, and nature lover who will be remembered by her many friends for her incredibly generous spirit.
Laurie is survived by her devoted husband Larry, her children Emmy (Johnson) and Michael, grandsons Joey and Sam Johnson, her mother Anna, son-in-law Aaron Johnson, and daughter-in-law Kellie Nienkerk. She is also survived by brothers John and Todd Johnson, and sisters Barbara Schaeffer, Susan Carstens, and JoAnn Sabas. She leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and countless friends.
A ?Remembrance of Life? service will be held at 3:30 on April 6 at Skylawn Memorial Chapel in San Mateo, with a visitation beginning at 2:30. There will be a reception following the service.
In her memory, the family appreciates donations to be made to Mid-Peninsula High School in Menlo Park.
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