There is a somber tone in the Murdock Offices this week as we absorb the loss of one of our beloved family members, Carol Van Zytveld, who passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Carol became a part of the Murdock Trust more than 20 years ago when her husband, John, joined us as a senior program director in 1996. Passionate about supporting youth, Carol built her career as an elementary school teacher in the mid-west before the couple began several years working internationally along with their three children, establishing science programs in several countries on behalf of Calvin College.
After concluding their globe-trotting work, Carol continued to have the desire to explore other cultures and regions. For many years, she organized family trips to every corner of the world, often identifying unique ways to experience these foreign locales, such as scheduling a several nights stay in a light house and a chilly camp out in Antarctica.
Following John’s retirement from the Trust, the pair drew on their faith and experience traveling abroad to provide support to Global Europe Mission, serving as Pastors across the pond. Carol’s naturally adaptive personality and first-hand knowledge of acclimating to and thriving in new cultures made her a critical resource to missionaries serving away from home.
“Our community has lost one of our shining lights,” said Steve Moore, executive director, Murdock Trust. “Carol brought a beautiful passion and energy to her work and her life with John. We are fortunate that she shared her presence with our team for so many wonderful years and we are grateful that her pain and suffering are over and she is now at peace. Our thoughts and love are with John and the Van Zytveld family.”
Please join us in sending love and prayers to the entire Van Zytveld family. We will miss you Carol.
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