Joan Marie Hescott

Joan Marie Hescott was an energetic, generous, and welcoming woman who shared her life and love with her adoring husband, wonderful children, and cherished friends.

Joan was born at a time when Americans were recovering from the Great Depression and parents worked hard to make life pleasant for their growing families. William and Johanna (Cooper) Molenhouse of Chicago, Illinois, already had one daughter when, on July 17th, 1936, they joyfully welcomed Joan Marie into their lives. Eventually, a total of four sisters - Grace, Joan, Ellen, and Lynn - would liven the Molenhouse home with their energy and fun. Being sisters, the girls often "borrowed" one another's clothes; and being sisters, they didn't always appreciate such gestures. Joan earned the nickname "Thumper" because she would tap her foot as she impatiently waited for Ellen to return her clothes. Throughout their lives, the sisters thrived on the bond of family and faith.

Joan was active in church and school during her teen years. She sang in the choir and was on the cheerleading team. Joan was a fine student who earned honor roll status at Chicago Christian High School. After graduating, Joan worked at First National Bank in Chicago. But her life as a single, working woman changed when Joan met her future husband at a local pizza place. Gerald Hescott and Joan were introduced by mutual friends who joined them on a double date to the movies. That was the beginning of their dating relationship that blossomed into love and commitment. Joan and Jerry were married in 1958 in Chicago and spent a romantic honeymoon in Florida. They later moved to South Holland, Illinois where Jerry opened his own tile and carpet store. Joan and Jerry were a loving couple who shared the blessings of their lives with many people.

In 1963, Joan and Jerry began their family with the birth of their son, Jay. More joy followed when Jodi was born in 1964, Jennifer in 1968, and Jon in 1971. Joan was devoted to raising their four children with love and care that was as overflowing as her generosity. Joan was a great cook who always provided more than enough for any and every one who was seated at her table. The fridge was always full, and Joan was prepared to feed anyone at any time. Her children remember the delicious lasagna, enough gravy for every serving of mashed potatoes, and - just as dinner was ending - the invitation to have some more! Joan seemed to have not only an endless supply of food, but also a never-ending spirit of hospitality. She welcomed everyone into her home.

Joan and Jerry expanded their ability to host and entertain family and friends when they bought a cottage on Horseshoe Lake in Minong, Wisconsin. They had always longed to own lakefront property, and beginning in 1967, they lived out their dream every summer with their family. As soon as school let out, Joan and the kids headed for the cottage where Jerry joined them on weekends. Having sent Jerry off to work with a week's worth of lunches, Joan was eager to welcome him home at the end of a long week.

Jerry and several other husbands flew in from the Chicago area to be with their families. The hum of their small plane alerted the families to their arrival, and moms loaded the family in the car to go meet the plane. On one occasion, Joan drove so fast to meet the plane that a hubcap flew off as she made a sharp turn around a corner. Joan was too excited to meet Jerry that she merely dropped off her mother to look for the hubcap while she went on to pick up Jerry. As always, it was a joyful reunion! On the return trip, they picked up Joan's mother...and the hubcap.

In 1973, the Hescott family moved to Holland, Michigan when Jerry joined Hank Yff in the ownership and operation of Hyvaco, Inc. Joan also rejoined the work force after her youngest child started school. Joan began as head of housekeeping for Point West before moving to Holland Hospital in 1980. There, she worked as a receptionist in the Cardiopulmonary Department until she retired in 1999, after 19 years of dedicated service. Joan enriched the lives of hospital staff and visitors by her professionalism and friendly nature. She knew everyone and got along with everyone.

Family life in Holland took on the characteristics of Joan and Jerry's generosity. Joan not only stocked the refrigerator, she also filled the house with the good deals she found on one of her many shopping trips. Their outdoor swimming pool became a source of fun for more than just their own children. So many friends and neighbors enjoyed the recreation that Jerry joked it had become Holland's first "community pool". When Bob and Wendy Perez moved in next door, they became fast friends and soon were considered part of the family.

Joan was involved in other summer and winter recreation that included bowling, golf, and snowmobiling. She joined a league for bowling, but snowmobling was something Joan and Jerry enjoyed together. In recent years, they also vacationed in Florida for the month of February with good friends John and Mary Beth Bosman, and Donna and Chato Quiroz, where they made friends from Canada and all across the United States. Joan was involved in the life of Central Park Reformed Church as a member. She was also a member of Evergreen Commons. Joan was truly at home in the Holland community.

Joan Marie Hescott will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her as a dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and faithful friend.

Joan Hescott, age 69, of Holland, died Friday, April 14, 2006, at her home. Preceding her in death was her husband of 46 years, Gerald " Jerry " Hescott, on December 22, 2004, and her sister, Grace Connolly. Surviving are her children, Jay and Karen Hescott, of Holland, Jodi and Ben Groenhof, of West Olive, Jennifer and Todd Werley, of Holland, and Jon and Yoko Hescott, of Holland; 9 Grandchildren, Abigail, Benjamin, and Cassandra Groenhof, Jacob and Nathan Werley, William and Sam Hescott, and Kobe and Hana Hescott; Sisters, Ellen Carrano, of Chicago, Lynn and Ron Olejnik, Lansing, IL; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Chuck Connolly of Ft. Atkinson, WI, Don and Winnie Hescott of Gull Lake, Jack and JoAnne Keinow of St. Charles, IL. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, 11:00AM, at Central Park Reformed Church. Officiating will be the Rev.David Landegent. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, from 2-4, and 7-9PM, at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street, Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Park Reformed Church Building Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can read Joan's life story, sign the guestbook or share a memory.