Jackie VerHeulen

Just as dedicated as she was devoted, Jackie VerHeulen was beloved by friends and family alike. An independent woman who was equally blessed with the gift of patience and compassion, it was in Jackie's nature to be ever selfless and giving. Jackie was the rock for which her family relied. She loved her family deeply, and in them she found her greatest joy. In as much as she will be missed, her heart lives on in the many she touched with ways all her own.

Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. From music to movies, art and media, to beloved comic strips and cartoons, households were introduced to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. Yet in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was a time of celebration in the lives of John "Jack" and Dorothy (Roys) VerHeulen when on July 7, 1950 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Jacquelyn Kay into their arms.

Jacquelyn was raised in a family devoted to their faith alongside her two brothers, Robert "Rob" and Daniel. They made their home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids where she experienced a childhood typical of the times. As a youngster, Jackie played the piano and began what became a lifelong love for music. She learned to knit and sew from her grandmother, "Oma", and from her earliest years she found strength in her mother's example. Her mother was a strong, assertive woman who found her own strength working outside the confines of home as a social worker which was quite rare for the times. Jackie looked up to her mother, and carried on her example in many ways throughout her life. She was especially proud of all her mother accomplished after the untimely death of her father when she was seven years old.

Jackie attended Plymouth Christian Elementary School which provided a strong, religious foundation for her. In the ninth grade she went on to Riverside Middle School before attending Creston High School. While at Creston, Jackie met Larry Pawl, who was a year ahead of Jackie in school. Although they lost contact after he graduated, it wasn't the last time they would have eyes for each other.

While pondering what to do with her life, Jackie expounded on her interest in medicine. She was originally accepted to Michigan State University's nursing program, but due to finances, she decided to further her education at Grand Rapids Junior College. By staying in Grand Rapids, she could remain at home. Always the go-getter, Jackie went on to earn her teaching degree after hearing there was a shortage of teachers. Finally realizing her desire to attend Michigan State University, she commuted for a year all while working as an intern. She first taught fourth and fifth grade at Plymouth Christian Elementary School where she had attended, and for a time worked at Project Rehab.

Jackie continued to feel drawn to work in medicine. Despite working as a teacher, which she enjoyed, she truly wanted to become a physician. She received her undergraduate education, and excelled in her studies. It was during this time in Jackie's life when she reconnected with Larry. Falling deeply in love, they continued dating while pursuing their educations.

Talk of a future together with Larry found Jackie contemplating new priorities in her life. She wanted a family, and didn't feel she could become a mother and a physician, while doing justice to both. She changed her major to nursing, soon realizing it was more suited to her personality. While Larry was in medical school to become a physician, Jackie graduated from Grand Valley State University with her bachelor's degree in nursing. Happily married in a civil ceremony in 1974, they enjoyed a brief honeymoon at her parent's cottage in Bellaire, Michigan at Lake Intermediate. However, a Catholic ceremony was important to them, especially prior to the birth of their first child. In time they enjoyed a second wedding ceremony before family, friends, and blessed by the church.

Jackie worked as a registered nurse in the NICU. Following the birth of their son, Andrew in 1978, daughter Sarah came along in 1980. These years were the most exciting times of Jackie's life and she loved every aspect of motherhood. After Sarah was born, Jackie remained at home with her children. Anticipating the birth of their third child, the death of Lauren Marie shortly after her birth in 1986 was incredibly devastating for Jackie. Soon after, she returned to her work in nursing in labor and delivery at Butterworth Hospital. She found her work very rewarding, and loved helping woman bring children into the world. She also found her work there to be very healing in helping families through the loss of an infant, just as she had. Although Jackie's marriage came to an eventual end, she was forever grateful for the children she shared from thier union.

In 1996 Jackie decided to once again further her education and received her master's in nursing from GVSU. She became a nurse practitioner, specializing in women's health. With her new degree, Jackie had a practice up north working with women who were underinsured, primarily in Grant, Newaygo, and White Cloud. She loved her work and helping these woman, but soon the drive became too much. Her children were teenagers at the time, and she really needed to be closer to home. It was also during this time when Jackie's brother, Daniel became ill and required care. While caring for her brother, Jackie combined her nursing and teaching as a clinical instructor at GVSU which she loved. This, by far, was Jackie's true calling.

In time, Jackie became the nursing instructor at Everest Institute. She excelled in this role, and was well received and loved by both students and staff. Jackie's life revolved around her work which gave her a sense of accomplishment in her life. On the other hand, it was taking away from the most important parts of her life, like family, especially the grandchildren she loved dearly. She stepped down in her position at Everest, technically, but continued to serve as an integral part of the staff there.

Thinking about retirement, Jackie had loads of things she had put off. She didn't have much in the way of hobbies, although she dabbled in vegetable gardening. Jackie spent the last ten years of her life devoted to her work and students. Any free time she had was spent enjoying time with her family. Jackie was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren, and loved them more than anything. After receiving her cancer diagnosis this past August, Jackie dedicated her days to spending as much time with them as possible. A woman who would give anything to help others, it was now Jackie's time. She continued to be the strength which held her family together until the very end, and was loved deeply and abundantly through it all. Never to be forgotten, thoughts of Jackie VerHeulen will bring treasured memories for days to come.

Jacquelyn K. VerHeulen, age 64, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014. Jackie is survived by her children: Andrew Pawl, Sarah and Eric Wright; grandchildren: Caleb, Alina, Corrin, Josephine. Her mother, Dorothy DeMaagd; brother, Robert and Norma VerHeulen; several nieces, nephews and many friends. A service to celebrate Jackie's life will be held Saturday, December 27, 2014, 11:00 AM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may visit with her family on Friday, December 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. Contributions in her memory may be made to Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Jackie, and to sign her online guestbook.