Christine Hakewessell, age 87, of Holland, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at her home.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother she was a dear friend of many. Christine enjoyed bringing friends together in community to enjoy sewing, quilting, playing games, and sharing a meal.
Christine was born April 24, 1937 in Albany, NY to Ralph and Anna Clausen. She grew up in nearby Delmar, NY. After high school she attended Alfred University where she received her bachelors in nursing in 1959. She began a lifetime of caring for others as a nurse at Albany Medical Center and an instructor at Albany Medical School of Nursing. In 1962 she moved to Hartford, CT where she was a nursing instructor at Hartford Hospital School of Nursing.
After moving to Hartford, Christine met lifelong friends at church including Carl, who became her husband in 1964. They moved to Farmington, CT where they raised two children. Christine spent her time supporting her children’s music and sports activities, singing in the church choir, gardening, and crafting.
While living in Farmington, Christine worked as a visiting nurse and in 1976 she started a 20 year career as a school nurse in Farmington Public Schools. Here she cared for students from kindergarten to high school spending most of her time compassionately caring for the students at Farmington High School. In 1996 she retired and moved with Carl to Holland, MI to enjoy her family and grandchildren.
In addition to spending time with her family, while in Holland Christine enjoyed singing in the choir at Christ Memorial Church as well as in the Evergreen Chorale. She also enjoyed the church quilting group and Senior Sewers. She volunteered at Holland Rescue Mission and Compassionate Friends.
Christine is survived by her husband of 60 years, Carl Hakewessell; children: Peter Hakewessell, Janet and Dr. Patrick Hulst; grandchildren: Ryan (Jessica) Hulst, Katherine Hulst, Bethany (Nathan) Craft; great-grandchildren: Kingsley Hulst and Gideon Hulst.
Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Anna Clausen; her brother, Bernard Clausen; and infant daughter, Amy.
A memorial service to remember and celebrate Christine’s life and faith will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the chapel at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI 49423. Visitation will be at church beginning at 12:00 PM prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, CT. Memorial contributions may be given to Holland Rescue Mission.
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