Cornelia G. "Connie" Hesselink

Cornelia Geraldine “Connie” Hesselink, age 93, of Rudyard, Michigan, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died February 1, 2016, at Hearthside Assisted Living in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born May 21, 1922 in Grant, Michigan to George and Nellie (Johnson) Snieder of Dutch descent. Connie grew up on a farm in Grant. After completing 8th grade, Connie left school and worked on the farm and helped with housework. As a young adult, she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she worked at Hayes Manufacturing making parachutes and military bags. On June 11, 1946, she married John Gerrit Hesselink and they moved to the Hesselink homestead north of Rudyard where they raised their family. After John’s death, Connie lived at Hearthside Assisted Living for a few years where her daughter Laura is a caregiver. Connie was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rudyard and active in the church Ladies Aid. She was also active in Farm Bureau. Connie enjoyed her flower garden, sewing, roller skating, snowmobiling, playing games, bowling and quilting. She was a hard worker, full of energy, always on the go, and she laughed uncontrollably at times. She enjoyed many trips visiting family in lower Michigan. Connie spent many hours singing while doing dishes and other household chores. Connie is survived by five daughters, Joyce (Thomas) Berres, Linda (Mike) Roorda, Laura Schroyer, Donna Hesselink, and Carol (Fred) Eby; grandchildren, Michele (Rick) Smith, Cher Roorda, Clint (Karla) Roorda, Ryan (Leah) Roorda, Amy (Matt) Staudenraus, Eve (Justin) Fisher, Sara Schroyer, Robert Schroyer, Christine Hesselink, Justyn (Monica) Mayer, Jonathan (Somer) Mayer, Jeremy (Amy) Mayer, Jorden (Heather) Mayer, Crystal Eby, Brandy Eby, and Dennis Eby; and great grandchildren, Anissa Molina, Faith Smith, Dylen Smith, Bailey Smith, Keyna Holleman, Tyan Holleman, Riley Roorda, Clara Roorda, Jana Glaudenraus, Roman Glaudenraus, Lexie Mayer, Cierra Mayer, Chloe Mayer, Caleb Mayer, Dallen Mayer, Alivia Mayer, Annistyn Mayer, Myla Mayer, Brinley Mayer, Gracie Mayer, Levi Mayer, Dylan Fisher, and Gabriella Fisher. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Eunice Snieder and Harriet Routher; and many nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Gerrit Hesselink; six brothers, Gilbert Snieder, John Snieder, Art Snieder, Herm Ver Strate, Harry Ver Strate, and Nelson Ver Strate; and two sisters, Gertrude Landheer and Marilyn Sckyski. Services will be held Tuesday, February 9, at the Christian Reformed Church, 17970 S. Tilson Road in Rudyard. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor David Prince conducting the service. Burial will be in North Rudyard Cemetery on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Memorial Contributions may be left to Christian Reformed Church, 17970 S. Tilson Road, Rudyard, MI 49780.

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Cornelia G. "Connie" Hesselink

May 21, 1922 - February 1, 2016