Jean, as she came to be known by, was born October 16, 1937 on a farm south of Holland, MI to John and Sally (Drucilla) Mast. She grew up in the Holland area, helping out on the farm, doing chores of all kinds and eventually even driving a tractor for haying. She graduated from Holland High School in 1955, and continued her education at Hope College, where she received her B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education, with minors in Spanish, English, and Religion. Additional studies led her to the University of Northern Colorado, and eventually for her Masters from Western Michigan University. Her career in education allowed her to help children excel and learn at an Indian Reservation in Nebraska, Hamilton Public Schools, where she also coached many different teams and started the interscholastic competition program and athletic conference for area schools, Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa where she served as Athletic Director and a coach, and a resource person for many college and career days in local high school. She will be fondly remembered by countless students and colleagues whom she impacted throughout her career.
She was preceded in death by her parents: John & Sally (Drucilla) Mast; sister: Sharon Beckman; dear friend: Corrine Sonneveldt; nephew-in-law: Bill Korp; and great niece: Jacilyn Jean Beckman.
Jean is survived by: her brother-in-Law: Allen Beckman of Holland; niece: Sally Korp of Holland; nephews: Jack (Rachel) Beckman of Holland, Eric (Amy) Beckman of Saugatuck, and Michael (Lisa) Beckman of Saugatuck; great nieces: Erin Beckman of St. Joseph MI, Stacey (Charlie) Banyai of Holland, Allison (Jordan) Arens of Holland, Morgan Beckman of Saugatuck, Natalie Beckman of Saugatuck; great nephews: Matthew Korp of Holland, Samuel Beckman of Detroit, MI, and Thomas Beckman of Saugatuck; great-great nieces and nephews: Marla, Henrik, Isaac, Teddy, Josie Banyai of Holland; Farley Arens of Holland; many extended family and friends.
A private family graveside memorial is being planned with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.
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