Memorial Service for Cynthia Coetzee

Cynthia Coetzee, 88, a former long-time staff member in the Andrews University Office of Academic Records, died on Dec. 2, 2022, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 

Her husband, Arthur Coetzee, served as the first provost of Andrews University. Their son Andrew is both a long-standing member of the Andrews University President’s Council and a current member of the University’s Board of Trustees.  

A memorial service will be held for Cynthia on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Allred Funeral Home, 212 S Main St, Berrien Springs. 

In lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the Arthur and Cynthia Coetzee Endowed Scholarship at Andrews University. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Cynthia Coetzee’s family and friends in the Comments section below or at allredfuneralhome.com.

OBITUARY

Cynthia Pamela Coetzee was born on Feb. 22, 1934, in Grahamstown, South Africa. She was one of six children who were born to Melville and Mildred Bradfield. 

Cynthia grew up on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, which inspired her lifelong enjoyment of long walks on the beach and swimming in the Indian Ocean. 

She graduated from Helderberg College in South Africa, and while in college she met the love of her life, Arthur Coetzee. The couple married in 1956 and shortly after they began a lifetime of service to Christian education.

Cynthia first worked in the registrar's office at Helderberg College, and when she and Arthur moved to Andrews University and the Berrien Springs area in 1979, she worked in the records office at Andrews University until her retirement.

During their retirement, both Arthur and Cynthia loved to take trips back to South Africa. Significantly, Cynthia was Arthur’s devoted caregiver when he became ill before he passed away in 1998. Following Arthur’s death, Cynthia continued to travel and spend time with family. In the last two years of her life, she was well taken care of at Myra’s Place in Berrien Springs.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Lynda Hurlow (Edwin), and her son, Andrew Coetzee (Dori). 

She’ll also be missed by her four grandchildren—Darryl Hurlow (Carmel), Allison Hurlow, Ashley Turk (Matt) and Austin Coetzee; and three great-granddaughters—Audrey Hurlow and Nora and Tansy Turk. 

Cynthia is also survived by her oldest sister, Daphne, and her lifelong friend of 70 years, Bridget Baird, who both reside in South Africa.

Nana will be lovingly remembered for her beautifully presented and always yummy food, as well as her love of decorating for Christmas each year. She was the ultimate hostess and had the amazing gift of hospitality in her home and community. 

Cynthia deeply loved her family and always cherished spending special time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.