Janet M. Sikkema

EAST SPRINGFIELD – Janet M. Sikkema, age 91, of US Highway 20, passed away on Friday morning July 25, 2025, in her home she had the loving comfort of her family by her side.

Janet was born March 31, 1934 in Springfield Center a daughter to the late Tunis F. and Lela M. Smith McCarty. She was raised and educated in Springfield and a graduate of Springfield High School with the class of 1952. On October 25, 1952 she married Frederick J. Sikkema, Jr. in Springfield. Frederick passed away on January 16, 1960. For over thirty years Janet worked the Department of Motor Vehicles in Cooperstown, as a clerk later as a supervisor. She retired in 1996.

She was a former member of the Rebeccas, current member of the Roseboom Senior Citizens and Sharon Springs Citizens. Janet loved to be with her family and enjoyed playing cards.

Janet is survived by her son Richard Sikkema and his wife Ann of Phoenix, Arizona, a daughter Debra Bookhout of Freeville, three daughter-in-laws: Anne Sikkema of Phoenix, Arizona, Kelly Morgan of Richfield Springs, Laura Sikkema of Springfield, a brother Keith McCarty and his wife Janet of Springfield, two sisters; Katherine Steckler of Cooperstown, Carol Ostrander and her husband Richard of Rochester seven grandchildren; Amanda Patenaude,  Ashley Sikkema, Lucas Sikkema, John Sikkema, Jr., Nicole Aksamit, Kelsey Sikkema, Kaitlin Sikkema, eight great-grandchildren; Juliette Patenaude, Miles Patenaude, Carter Carson, Minne Carson, Connor Aksamit, Jacob Aksamit, Oakley Sikkema, Walker Sikkema, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and her husband Frederick, she was preceded in death by her longtime companion Frederick Porath, four sons; John W. Sikkema, Gary T. Sikkema, Frederick J. Sikkema, Douglas E. Sikkema, three brothers; Douglas McCarty, Arnold, McCarty, Charles McCarty and a sister Evelyn Clark.

A graveside service for Mrs. Sikkema will be held on Saturday August 2nd at 10:00 AM in Springfield Center Cemetery with the Reverend Debra Miller, officiating.

The family asks in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, 5503 US Hwy 20 E. Springfield, NY 13333,  Springfield Fire Department, or Helios Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Inc. 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.