Joan Marie Hettenbach

Mom, was born Joan Marie Gressman on June 26, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up in Milwaukee, she lived in an era when being considerate to others was the rule, not the exception, and she practiced that through the rest of her 83 years. After graduating from Messmer High School, she worked for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and was 20 years old when she married Dad, became Mrs. Edward Hettenbach and her first child of three, a daughter was born a year or so later. She left her job to become a full-time mom and home-maker, a job she loved and would excel at for the rest of her life. She never missed a beat as the family followed Dad’s transfers with United Airlines to Colorado, Washington State, and then Texas.

Mom and Dad were inseparable in their dedication to many charities, groups and activities along the way, including Saint Rita and Saint Catherine Catholic Churches, and Mom was active with the many wives and other friends with whom she surrounded herself and forged lifelong friendships. Among these groups were the Women’s Club, Autumn Fest, Hospitality and Bereavement Committees, and the Parish Office. At one time, she and some close friends made exceptionally fine handcrafted items which they sold as part of an ongoing profitable business.

Mom loved traveling, and was able to do so extensively due to Dad’s long career with United, casting off for destinations such as Hawaii, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Wisconsin. When Dad retired from United to start his own business, Mom assisted in running and building the business for over 20 years.

In 2001 Mom suffered a stroke which left her unable to speak properly or use the right side of her body. She worked very hard during a long recovery period to learn to speak again, but was unable to walk unaided or use her right hand. Additional difficulties included swallowing difficulties, heart issues and repeated treatment for liver cancer. This did not stop her from living life to its fullest and regularly attending mass, and she was a constant presence as the “Alley Cats” Cheerleader for the Saint Catherine’s Bowling League until last year.

Mom rarely said a bad word about anyone, and was a devout Catholic. Her presence in our lives will be deeply missed. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter Christine Hettenbach, sons Mark and Paul Hettenbach, daughters-in-law Karen Ford and Angie Galvis, grand-kids Gabriela and Nicolas Hettenbach, and Coco, all of Carrollton. Her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Jim Kolpin of East Troy, Wisconsin join a host of many relatives and friends in Wisconsin, California and Texas.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the exceptional people at Atria Senior Living of Carrollton who were Mom’s family, and who continue to take such loving care of the people entrusted to you. You are Angels, You are Angels, You are Angels. The special people from Amity Hospice lightened our burden, took us by the hand and walked with us through the saddest moments. Thank you for being the people you are, and for the calling you have chosen. We cannot imagine a world without people like you.