Christina IJlst Van Oostendorp Sigman

Christina IJlst Van Oostendorp Sigman, 98, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by her husband, Al, and three generations of her beloved family.

Born on July 31, 1926, in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, Christina was the seventh of eight children born to Eege and Maria IJlst. Her four eldest siblings were from her mother’s first marriage, but they were lovingly raised by Eege as his own. Christina often spoke fondly of her childhood, sharing stories of playing in the windmill near her home. Her children and grandchildren loved picturing her as a young girl, joyfully skipping through the tulip fields alongside her sisters.

However, her world changed dramatically when the German occupation of the Netherlands began during her teenage years. The events of this time were difficult for her to revisit, yet they played a profound role in shaping the woman she became—strong, resilient, and resourceful. Through every challenge, Christina’s unwavering faith, determination, and love for her family guided her, defining a life filled with purpose, devotion, and an enduring commitment to lifelong learning.

In 1947, Christina met her first husband, Bartel Van Oostendorp III, while he was serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his homeland, the Netherlands. She was drawn to his charismatic personality and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. When his mission concluded in 1948, Christina made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States, despite not knowing any English. On January 4, 1949, she and Bartel were married in Los Angeles, California. Just three months later, their journey took them to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. To be worthy of this sacred ordinance, Christina had to gain proficiency in English—a challenge she met with remarkable determination, intellect, and faith. Her perseverance allowed her to achieve fluency in record time, a testament to her unwavering commitment. Together, she and Bartel built a loving home and raised six children, instilling in them the values of faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

After Bartel’s passing in 1988, Christina later found love again with Alton E. Sigman. They were married on June 5, 1999, in American Fork, UT, and together they served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. During their marriage they moved 8 times, typically spending summer months in Utah and winter months in Arizona. They loved their time together, traveling to visit their children all over the country, taking drives in the canyons and enjoying good food. It goes without saying that they fully enjoyed their retirement years together.

Christina was a woman of remarkable energy and passion. She worked as a dental assistant and later taught dental assisting at several vocational and public universities in Southern California. She was also an entrepreneur and a skilled genealogist, specializing in Dutch ancestry research for many families.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Christina was known for her artistic talents and meticulous craftsmanship. She found joy in sewing, stained glass, quilting, crochet, knitting and cross stitch. She approached each project with precision and creativity, leaving behind many treasured heirlooms for her family.

Christina is preceded in death by her first husband, Bartel Van Oostendorp III; her son, Mark S. Van Oostendorp (Debra); and her great-grandsons, Andrew Ashment and Hobbs Van Oostendorp.

She is survived by her husband, Alton E. Sigman, and her children: Bartel Van Oostendorp IV (Deborah), Christina R. Camp (Larry), Alan S. Van Oostendorp (Dana), Cheryl L. Bennett (Scott), and David G. Van Oostendorp (Travis). She also leaves behind a legacy of 27 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Christina’s life was defined by faith, resilience, and a deep love for her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her influence will continue for generations, as she leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, devotion, and creativity.

The Van Oostendorp family are grateful to friends, family and caregivers for their heartfelt service. We especially offer our profound thanks to the Sigman family, for loving and honoring our sweet mother for so many years.

Funeral services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 114 South 400 West, Orem, Utah, with a viewing held that morning at the church from 10:00-10:45 a m prior to the services. Christina will be laid to rest beside her first husband, Bartel Van Oostendorp III, at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.