Lenora (Visbeen) Malefyt

On April 15, 2026, Lenora Malefyt was called home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born in Glen Rock, New Jersey, on August 23, 1927, to Adrian and Trina Visbeen, Lenora’s life was defined by her devotion to God and her unwavering love for her family.

On November 24, 1949, Lenora married her beloved husband, Aaron Malefyt. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family.

A graduate of Eastern Academy (1945), Lenora followed her call to care for others by attending the Paterson General Hospital School of Nursing. Her professional career was marked by her dedication to her community, serving as the Wyckoff Township nurse before spending 24 years as the school nurse at Coolidge and Eisenhower Schools until her retirement in 1986.

A lifelong member of Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church, she served her congregation in countless ways. She was known for her gift of hospitality, frequently hosting friends and family.  She lived by the wisdom of Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you... your gift will return to you in full". Even after moving to the Holland Christian Home in 2002, she remained an active and comforting presence, visiting the sick and tending to the flowers.

She is survived by her children Paul (Nancy) Malefyt of Grosse Pointe, MI, Patricia (Dan) Volkema of Granville, OH, and Timothy (Jill) Malefyt of Stroudsburg, PA.

Lenora was the grandmother of eight—Timothy, Scott, John, Jacquelyn, Christine, Douglas, Kristin, and Kelly—and the great-grandmother to sixteen. She is survived by her brother, Adrian (Ruth) Visbeen, and sister-in-law, Betty (Bill) Almroth. She now joins her husband Aaron, her parents, and brother Albert, and sister-in-law Janet in their heavenly home.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Lenora's life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 AM at Cedar Hill Church, 442 Cedar Hill Ave., Wyckoff, New Jersey. Burial services to be held are private for the family.

In honor of her lifelong commitment to Christian education, memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Christian School, 50 Oakwood Ave, North Haledon, NJ or to Christian Health Foundation - Windmere Fund, 151 Graham Ave, North Haledon, NJ, the place she loved and called home for many years.