Clazina (Inie) Cornelia Bijkerk (née Davidse) died gently and peacefully at her home in Kentwood, Michigan on Friday, July 9, 2021. She was 94 years old.

Inie was born in 1927 in Landsmeer, the Netherlands, as the oldest daughter of Andries Davidse and Berendina Davidse-Manhave. Inie studied psychology at the Free University in Amsterdam, followed by intensive training in Jungian psychotherapy. After completing her doctoral studies, she served as chief psychologist at the Psychological Institute of the Free University where she met and married her colleague Roelof Jan Bijkerk (Roel) in 1957. Between 1958 and 1963, they had four children.

In 1962, the family migrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Inie taught psychology courses at Calvin University (1967-1969) and Grand Valley State University (1976-1995). Profoundly influenced by the 2nd wave of the feminist movement in the 1970's, she specialized in the Psychology of Women at GVSU where she focussed on helping women find and nurture their inner strength and purpose. Between 1976 and 2010, Inie had a private practice as an independent psychotherapist. Together with a former client, she co-authored a book on the process of therapy, When You're Ready. In this work, she described and discussed her approach to psychotherapy as an integration of the ideas and methods of Carl Jung and Carl Rogers. Inie was also deeply involved with Morning Star Retreat Center where she led many workshops on topics such as Dreams and Breath Work.

Inie brought a depth of intelligence and spirituality to her life and work that was rooted in a place of immense compassion. When not working towards making life better for those around her, Inie loved to be in nature, especially sailing as a child and canoeing and hiking as an adult. Inie also loved to travel and to knit. Hundreds of her colorful socks are walking around today, each providing a gentle hug as they are worn.

She is survived by her husband Roel and by her children Ann (Mark), Roelof, Eline/Ientie (Steve), Jeanne; her grandchildren Alexander, Alan (Sheri), Rose, Benjamin, Quinton; and great-grandchild Adeline. She was preceded in death by her brother Bram and sister Trudy. We all loved and admired her very much. Family was always at the center of her life as the foundation of meaning. Her unconditional love, strength, wit, wisdom, patience, warmth and gentle way embraced our family and those who were fortunate enough to get to know her.

Our family wants to express much appreciation and gratitude for the very competent and truly caring home-help and social-medical support received from the Area Agency on Aging and (especially) the team from the Grace Hospice Agency.

A private cremation event was arranged for the immediate family. A public celebration of Inie's life and work will be held on July 26, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Cascade Christian Church in the Chapel (2829 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI--the chapel is the white historic wood building facing Orange Street) where a review of Inie's eventful life and some time for eulogies will be offered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Morning Star Retreat Center (http://www.morningstarretreatcenter.com/).