Carolyn Joyce Van Ess

Preceded in death by Richard, her husband of 59 years; parents Bert and Mary Brink; bothers Ervin, Herb and Jerry; sister Ann Lucile and great- granddaughter Rose.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters; Kristie (John) Potts, Karla (Ralph) Boyea; her sons Rick (Karen) Van Ess and Ken (Grace) Van Ess. She is a proud Grandma to Matt (Ashley) Potts, Stacie (Jason) Bruno, Katelyn (Joel) Reimink, Michelle (Jon) Munn, Eric (Kylee) Boyea, Luke (Alli) Boyea, Olivia (Jaxyn) Ryks, Nik Boyea, Lindsay Van Ess, Megan (Brian) Bergmans, Kelli (Tom) Menyes, Haley Van Ess and fourteen great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brothers, sisters and in laws; Willard and Thelma Brink, Marge and Lloyd Walters, Bredella and Ed Cooper, Nate and Marilyn Brink, Andy and Reatha Brink, Gloria and Curt Huyser, June Van Farrowe, Pearl and Stan Vos and Barb Van Vels.

Carolyn loved to entertain and spend time with her family and friends. She had a servant’s heart and was always helping and loving others. She was a nurse for many years; working in maternity, surgery, geriatric and hospice. She also was a master gardener, her pride and joy were her peonies. She loved to spend time with her grandkids. She enjoyed going to all their sports, church, and school events. Carolyn was a longtime, active member of Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church. She had many lifelong friends and was a blessing to so many, always a source of wisdom and good advice. In her later years she wrote a book about her early years growing up in a large family on a farm and her nursing experiences. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy for her children and grandchildren. She was respected, admired, and loved.

A burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, April 6th at 2:00PM. A memorial gathering will be outside Tuesday night, April 6 at Park Church in Holland from 5:00PM to 7:30PM and a Memorial Service on Monday, May 3 at Beckwith Hills Church at 3:00PM.

The Memorial Service on May 3rd at Beckwith Hills Church will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. The service will be live at this link; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmwlvGEnxFkWkWpGcQwM5g/videos

Memorial Contributions in Carolyn’s honor may be given to Faith Hospice.