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Joy Oostendorp

February 22, 2017
Grand Rapids, MI

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Joy Elizabeth Oostendorp [Smith], age 79, of Grand Rapids, MI a true servant of God, died peacefully, while in the company of family, on Wednesday February 22, 2017. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI to Henry and Nellie Smith. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Herman, who passed away in 2005. Joy will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Michael, David (Terri), Ted, and Joel, and her daughter, Elizabeth Palfreyman. She was especially proud of her 11 grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Zwiep, Susan, Nicholas, Jacob, Samuel, Linda, Cora, Benjamin and Nathan Oostendorp and Thomas and Zaiden Palfreyman, as well as her 5 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Joy's brothers Paul and Steve Smith and sisters Mary (Louis) Ellsworth and Sara Jane Smith as well as many nieces and nephews. Joy was lovingly committed to her family first, but was also dedicated to her career in nursing, serving as Executive Director of Nursing with both Clark Home and Holland Home. It was because of this commitment to her profession that Joy would become a respected consultant on the challenges of caring for the aged. She was often called upon to share her faith based philosophies of "Aging with Joy". Many who were privileged to have worked with Joy will fondly remember her having coined her catch phrase "show up, be nice". The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff from both Raybrook Manor and Faith Hospice for the compassionate care bestowed on Joy's behalf. A Memorial celebration officiated by Rev. Ardean VanderWall will take place at the Raybrook Manor Chapel (2121 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) at 11:00 am on Friday March 3, 2017. Family will be available for visitation on Thursday March 2, 2017 from 5-8 pm also at the Raybrook Manor Chapel. Please consider a memorial contribution in Joy's name to: Holland Home (2100 Raybrook St. SE STE 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546).