Wanda Margaret Driscoll

Our memories are what bind us together the most in this world, the common thread we sew into the wonderful quilt of our lives. Wanda Driscoll was a woman who knew that better than anyone, a woman who knew that even the finest fabrics mean nothing without the thread to hold it together. Wanda was the thread that held so many of us together, as well. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and a woman who gave us so much, so many memories, and a bond that holds us together even today.

America was going through some of its darkest days in 1932, caught firmly in the teeth of the Great Depression, as inflation and unemployment skyrocketed to new highs. Nearly one in four Americans were out of work, and so many people were looking for just a glimmer of hope in that dark hour. Here in this corner of the globe, however, one Midwestern family would be blessed with more than a little light, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl. Wanda was born July 27, 1932, on a warm Wednesday in West Olive, the bouncing baby daughter of three children to Leonard and Lillian (Babcock) Caauwe. As was common practice in those days, Wanda was born with the help of a midwife.

Wanda grew up in the city of Holland at the family home on 18th Street. Sadly, those turbulent times became even more difficult on the family, as Wanda's father Leonard died when she was just three years old. Somehow, her mother made do. Wanda attended Holland Christian in grade school, through the 6th grade, before heading off to Holland Public School and graduating from Holland High School. In those tough times, every little bit helped, so Wanda took a job at the theatre during school part-time, helping earn some money for the family. But to Wanda, it was a labor of love. She really enjoyed working at the theatre, and often spoke fondly of her times there. Of course, Wanda fell in love with more than the theatre while she was in high school. There was this one young man named Harold Driscoll who took a shining to her, and kept asking her for a date. And asking her. And asking her. Only when he stopped "bugging" her, did she finally relent and decide to go out with him, beginning a wonderful, lifelong romance! The happy couple dated for nearly two years, before getting married in Holland.

After the wedding, Harold enlisted in the Air Force for four years, as he, like so many young men, wished to serve his country. Wanda went with him for the first two years, but quickly realized that she didn't mind being a fly-boy's wife, but couldn't take the fly-boy life, especially those Air Force bases. So Wanda went back to Holland to live with Harold's parents, as he shipped off to the far reaches of Alaska to finish his service. But after Harold returned, the young couple wasted little time starting their family, beginning with the birth of their beautiful daughter Dana, in 1957. Sons Tom and Patrick followed later, completing the Driscoll family circle, and filling their home with love and laughter.

After Dana was born, Wanda went back to work, taking a part-time job at Kroger's grocery store to help make ends meet. And when Patrick was 14, she started working at J.C. Penny's part-time. Wanda was always so gifted at striking the perfect balance between work and family, and was always there for her children and grandchildren. They spent so many wonderful camping trips together, which helped form so many close bonds. But the Driscoll clan was always very tight-knit, thanks to Wanda, of course, the family seamstress both figuratively and literally. She was born with an innate ability for needle and thread, and was always making new outfits for the kids and especially the grandkids later on. She even made them all traditional Dutch costumes! Wanda always loved a celebration. Whether it was costumes for Tulip Time or especially the holidays (which she loved so much), there would be Wanda, laughing and snapping photos. She loved to take pictures, and was never shy about getting in front of the camera, either.

Another of Wanda's true passions was her garden, which, like her family, she lovingly cared for and nurtured. She loved to grow wonderful vegetables and beautiful flowers in her exquisite garden, even raising chickens. But oh, how she loved that garden. Except for the snakes, who would cross her path from time to time. But Wanda knew as well as anyone how to take the good with the bad, snakes and all. That garden helped put food on the table, kept her busy (and since she was always out in the sun, perfectly tan), and gave her peace. But to Wanda, her greatest peace was always found around her family, whom she loved so dearly. She loved the balance, and the difference, between being a mother and a grandmother. She was always so devoted to her family, and would do anything for them, any time, for whatever they needed. Wanda continued working part-time up until five years ago, when she underwent cancer surgery.

Wanda died January 31, 2006, after a long battle with the disease. She leaves behind so many fond memories of a warm and wonderful woman, a woman who bound us all together with her love, and her life. Today her love lives on, in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Wanda Margaret Driscoll, age 73, of Holland, died Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at Hospice House of Holland. Mrs. Driscoll was born in Holland July 27, 1932, to Leonard and Lillian (Babcock) Caauwe. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Preceding her in death were her father, Leonard Caauwe, a brother, Everton "Bud" Caauwe, and a sister, Leona Vander Ploeg. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Harold Driscoll of Holland; Children, Dana and Kenneth Engelking of Allegan, Tom and Mindy Driscoll of Hamilton, and Patrick and Kristin Driscoll of Hamilton; 8 Grandchildren; mother-in-law, Harriet Ossewaade of Holland; and a Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marlie and Donald Schutt of Holland. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, February 3, at 11 a.m. at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1015 E. 32nd Street, Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the church, and also on Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, or to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street.