Thelma Hoogewind

Kind, strong, and determined, Thelma Hoogewind lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Born nearly a century ago, Thelma witnessed extraordinary changes in the world, while remaining constant in who she was – sharp, faithful, sassy, and determined. Driven to do things on her terms, Thelma also had a good sense of humor and enjoyed friendly teasing and having fun. A woman who embodied the principles of her faith, Thelma led with her heart and welcomed each day as a gift to be treasured. Cherished by those she loved most dearly, Thelma will long be remembered and forever missed.

As the country continued to ride the decade’s roaring wave of peace, prosperity, and hope in early 1929, the nation celebrated the recent inventions of penicillin, the iron lung, bubble gum, and the Yo-Yo, as well as Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. As the wave of sweeping social and economic growth rapidly increased, nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of Henry and Gertrude (Start) Roobol as they welcomed their daughter, Thelma Theresa, to their family on March 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The middle child of three, Thelma grew up on Alber Street in what is now Wyoming, in the good company of her brothers, Arthur and Howard. Thelma’s parents immigrated from the Netherlands and raised their children with strict expectations and consequences. Church was a cornerstone of family life. Thelma attended Southwest Christian and Christian High School, where she sang in the choir. She also worked as a receptionist for H&P Drug Company.

While rollerskating, Thelma met her future husband, Louis Hoogwind. The pair dated for a time before setting their hearts on sharing the future. The happy couple married on Thelma’s birthday in 1949 and settled into their marriage on the west side of Grand Rapids, where Thelma would live for the rest of her life. Thelma and Louis watched the Standale tornado from their basement window on Stark Street and welcomed their daughter Cindi to their family after moving to their home on Sierra Street.

Thelma remained home caring for her family until her husband died at age 50. With a ten-year-old daughter to provide for, Thelma became fiercely independent and gratefully accepted a receptionist job her neighbor offered at his company, CE Stehouwer Food Brokers. Thelma served the company for many years before her retirement. She then became the on-call receptionist for Calvary Church, volunteered in the kitchen on Wednesday nights, and helped at funerals before retiring at age 90 after over 15 years. Though widowed for half her life, Thelma faced each day with signature resilience, grace, and independence.

A loving mother and cherished friend, Thelma shared a very special bond with her only child. Fondly referring to themselves as Thelma and Louise (Cindi’s middle name is Louise), the two of them shared many treasured memories. Whether traveling, going on their weekly breakfast date, or checking in with daily texts, they always had fun together. Thelma loved adventures, which were always richer for sharing them with Cindi. They took wonderful trips to California and Florida, where they rented a Mustang convertible and drove to Key West. In 2005, they traveled even more, relishing epic trips to Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand, and in 2007 they made a trip to Greece. Visits with her older brother in Florida were always treasured, as well as annual trips to Traverse City and Mackinaw. Embracing each day as a gift, Thelma celebrated he retirement with a hot air balloon ride from her daughter, welcomed the opportunity to take a glider ride, and drove until she was 95.

In the comforts of her home, Thelma enjoyed reading mysteries and thrillers and became hopelessly addicted to adult coloring books. She found comfort in routines. Her home was meticulously clean. She liked pretty things, like candles and plants, and everything had its place. Afternoons were spent sitting and reading or coloring while enjoying a glass of wine. She also enjoyed eating out over cooking and spending time at her daughter’s, visiting her granddogs, and sitting on the deck watching the wildlife on Sunday afternoon. Going for walks and speculating about whether the semi trucks she saw were loaded or empty were also favorite ways of spending time. Though never one to be mushy, Thelma was loving and enjoyed hugs and kisses. She was social once she felt connected with others and made good friends after moving into an apartment.

Above all, Thelma was a woman of deep Christian faith. Her trust in the Lord guided her throughout her life. Even in her later years, after suffering two compression fractures in her back and experiencing severe pain, she found strength, courage, and peace by reflecting on Jesus’ suffering on the cross, often expressing that her own suffering was incomparable to His. Sharp until the end, even after falling in January and requiring more direct care, she and Cindi enjoyed visiting every day and finding time to color with a glass of zippy.

As we celebrate Thelma’s long life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. Thelma will always be remembered for her kindness, quiet humor, indomitable spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Now reunited with her husband, she rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

Thelma T. Hoogewind, age 97, went home to be with her Lord on July 21, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Hoogewind, who died 50 years ago, and her brothers, Arthur and Howard Roobol.

Thelma is survived by her daughter, Cindi Cook (Dale), as well as many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Thelma's care team at Faith Hospice - they were amazing. Additional gratitude to Thelma's son-in-law, Dale, for the wonderful care and love that he had shown. In the last weeks, Dale was the one to put her to bed. He would literally pick her up and place her in bed, and tuck her in. They called it their dance, and it was a thing of beauty to watch. His generosity to her was limitless. Whatever she needed, he would provide it.

Thelma's funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive. Friends are invited to visit and share memories on Sunday from 5-7 PM and for a time immediately following the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Hospice, Mackenzie Animal Sanctuary, or to Calvary Undenominational Church.

To read more about Thelma, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com