Helene Woodwyk

Helene G. Woodwyk embraced her life and found her greatest joy in the faces of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The 1920’s were a time of great technological advancement in our nation, as the popularity of automobiles, radios, and movies exploded. Helene G. Woodwyk was born during this exciting time, on November 30, 1929.

Helene’s life was greatly enriched through the births of her four children: Douglas, David, Craig, and Scott. As grandchildren arrived on the scene, Helene’s heart was filled with tremendous joy. Her family made Helene’s heart swell with pride; they provided her with a great sense of fulfillment and delight.

In addition to her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Helene found pleasure through her employment as well. She worked for over 30 years making pills for Parke-Davis, a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, which was once America's oldest and largest drug maker, and played an important role in medical history. Later, Helene’s career path would lead her to Holland Country Club, where she enjoyed her work as a waitress for several years.

In addition to her work, Helene found time to enjoy some things that also brought her satisfaction. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and playing golf; she was even on a golf league for a time. Helene loved traveling; one of her favorite destinations was the sunset strip, Las Vegas, Nevada. Helene adored the music of Wayne Newton and she was once honored to have her picture taken with him in Las Vegas.

Helene G. Woodwyk of Holland, MI, died on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at Hospice of Holland. Helene’s family includes her children: Douglas (Karen) Van Hekken , David (Lynn) Van Hekken, Craig (Connie) Van Hekken and Scott Woodwyk and fiancé, Pennie Brown, all of Holland, 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law, William (Sally) Gruppen of Zeeland and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m. at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Mulder Chapel - Holland, MI, 188 West 32nd St. with Pastor Toby Gruppen officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may greet the family Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 prior to the service. Please visit Helene’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.