Patty Hekkema's Obituary
“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” Born November 15, 1952, Patty Hekkema lived life deeply before resting peacefully at her home in Muskegon, MI on June 24, 2015 surrounded by her family and friends. Patty most definitely embodied the words as quoted by poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, for everything she did was with passion. Patty loved deeply having begun what was to be a 43 year love affair with Randy Hekkema – the love of her life. From that union was born their son Todd, followed 3 years later by Marc and then finally after 4 more years came daughter Chantel. Patty’s love for her family and friends was bold and unashamed. She was not afraid of Public Displays of Affection either toward Randy, her kids or her grandkids. Her family (and anyone else in the vicinity) always knew how much they were loved. Patty laughed deeply. She lived out loud the words of E.E. Cummings “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” Her laughter could fill a room (or the neighborhood for that matter). Patty was always the life of the party and was loved by all who knew her well. While cancer may have silenced her wonderfully wild, authentic and crazy laugh, it will live on through her kids and grandkids who enjoy her same sense of humor. While Patty leaves behind her family: Husband, Randy Hekkema; Children, Todd & Becky Hekkema and their children Logan & Sophia; Marc & Michelle Hekkema; and Chantel & John Wehnes along with their children Payden Challinor & Addison Wehnes; as well as her Mother, Rose Wheeler; Sisters, Evelyn Herbert, Shirley Karafa, Jeanne Hekkema and Brother, Bob Wheeler, she was looking forward to being reunited with her father Eugene Wheeler, her niece Tonya Kroupa and nephews Bradley Memberto, Robert Memberto and Justin Kroupa. In keeping with Patty’s wishes (and one last opportunity to be the life of the party), her family welcomes those who knew her to a cookout & bonfire at her home on Friday, July 10 at 4:00pm. Additional support to offset expenses for Patty’s 1 ½ year-long battle against ovarian cancer can be made at www.gofundme.com/wd5d5585n. To continue in the pursuit of a cure for ovarian cancer, please consider supporting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at www.ocrf.org. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210
What’s your fondest memory of Patty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patty?
Share a story where Patty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patty you’ll never forget.
How did Patty make you smile?