“I’ve been going a long time now, along the way, I’ve learned some things. You have to make the good times yourself take the little times and make them into big times and save the times that are all right for the ones that aren’t so good.”- Rod McKuen
With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Joyce Elaine VandenBosch, who was born on September 14, 1939, in Holland, Michigan, and peacefully passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 86. We remember a remarkable woman whose greatest accomplishment was not measured by wealth or recognition, but by the lives she shaped through unconditional love, sacrifice, strength, and unwavering determination.
Joyce was, above all else, a mother. Raising six children as a single parent during times of tremendous financial hardship, she carried responsibilities that would have overwhelmed many. She never complained about the burdens she carried because, to her, her children always came first. Every decision she made, every extra shift she worked, every sacrifice she endured was driven by one purpose—to ensure that her children were safe, loved, and given every opportunity to succeed.
Although there were times when money was scarce, her children never doubted they were rich in the things that mattered most. Joyce somehow always found a way. She made sure birthdays were celebrated, Christmases were special, and when something was needed, she figured out how to provide it. Every summer, no matter how tight finances were, she found a way to rent a cottage for a week on beautiful Big Platte Lake, one of her favorite places. Those vacations became treasured family traditions and gave her children memories that would last a lifetime. She taught them that determination, love, and resilience could overcome circumstances that seemed impossible.
Joyce possessed a fiercely independent spirit, a remarkable work ethic, and an equally strong will. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone and insisted on taking care of herself whenever possible. Yet while she refused to ask for help, she was always the first to offer it. Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers knew that if they needed Joyce, she would come running—often setting aside her own plans without hesitation. Her generosity knew no limits, and she gave of herself freely, asking for nothing in return.
Determined to build a better future for her family, Joyce attended Davenport College while working, raising six children, and caring for her sister’s children so her sister could work. She demonstrated by example that education, perseverance, and sacrifice were investments worth making, no matter how difficult the journey.
She was remarkably resourceful and fearless. If something was broken, Joyce believed it could probably be fixed. Long before it was common to challenge traditional expectations, she tackled repairs, home projects, mechanical problems, and countless jobs people assumed “weren’t for women.” She learned these skills growing up on a farm, where she treasured the time spent alongside her grandparents. Some of her fondest memories were working beside her grandfather, proudly helping with chores and even lighting his pipe while they worked together—small moments she remembered with great affection throughout her life.
Her childhood was also filled with laughter and mischief. Joyce loved spending time with her sisters and never missed an opportunity to devise creative pranks whenever one of them tattled on her. Those playful stories remained some of her favorite memories and reflected the spirited personality she carried throughout her life.
Joyce spent her life working tirelessly to provide for her family. Throughout the years, she worked for John Thomas Batts, the Michigan Department of Social Services, Holland Hitch, and several local restaurants as a waitress before finishing her career at Haworth, where she retired in 2001. No job was beneath her if it meant providing for her children. She became known not only for her exceptional work ethic but for her unmistakable personality. Supervisors and coworkers respected her honesty, her sense of humor, and her willingness to speak up whenever she believed something wasn’t right—or, in Joyce’s unmistakable vocabulary, when something was simply “stupid.”(or other choice words that were a bit more direct, blunt, or more profane!).
One of Joyce’s proudest achievements was purchasing a home on her own despite difficult financial circumstances. She transformed that house into far more than a place to live—it became a home filled with love, laughter, and open doors. The neighborhood children always knew they were welcome there, and countless friendships were nurtured around her kitchen table. Her own children knew they were deeply loved, but they also knew that when they misbehaved, there would be consequences. Anyone who acted up during church services quickly learned to fear the unforgettable pinch from Mom that served as an immediate reminder to behave. It became one of those family stories that, over time, transformed from childhood terror into cherished laughter.
While Joyce believed in discipline, she also believed in making life fun. She loved creating adventures with her children, filling ordinary days with laughter and finding joy in life’s simple moments. Her family always came first, and she worked tirelessly to ensure they experienced happiness despite the financial challenges they faced.
She found beauty in life’s simplest pleasures. Joyce loved gardening and possessed an extraordinary knowledge of flowers, plants, and vegetables. She could identify nearly any flower at a glance and enthusiastically explain exactly how to care for it. Her love of gardening extended beyond her own yard. At church, she volunteered for numerous ministries and proudly spearheaded the community garden, helping grow vegetables that were shared with members of the congregation in need.
Joyce also expressed her love through her hands. She was an accomplished knitter who spent countless hours making scarves, mittens, and potholders for her family and friends. As winter approached, her children never had to worry about staying warm because Mom always had a fresh pair of handmade mittens ready for each of them. Those mittens were far more than protection from the cold—they were tangible reminders of her thoughtfulness, her generosity, and the quiet ways she cared for those she loved. Many family members continue to treasure the items she knitted, not simply because they were handmade, but because every stitch reflected the love she poured into her family.
Another of Joyce’s greatest joys was a trip to DeBoer’s Bakkeri for breakfast. It wasn’t simply about the food—it was about the people. She could never leave without visiting with the staff and, if Jacob happened to be there, spending a few minutes catching up with him as well. And no visit was complete without stopping at the bakery before heading home. She inevitably left carrying far more cookies and fresh loaves of bread than anyone could possibly eat, insisting that it was simply too good to pass up and far better than anything you could ever buy at the grocery store. Those breakfast outings became one of the simple pleasures that brought her genuine happiness and created countless cherished memories with family and friends.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Joyce was a devoted member of Rose Park Reformed Church for many years before later becoming a faithful member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church. She faithfully attended worship, volunteered whenever she could, and twice answered the call to serve on Christian mission trips to the Dominican Republic. She found purpose in serving others and quietly lived out her faith through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Joyce also delighted in the little routines that made a house feel like home. There was almost always a fresh pot of coffee brewing, no matter the hour, and family and friends knew they would never leave her house without being offered a cup. Coffee around Joyce’s table often turned into hours of conversation, laughter, advice, and stories.
Music was another great love of her life. A devoted country music fan, Joyce always made sure she had the best stereo system she could afford, complete with speakers throughout the house so country music could be heard in every room. Whether she was cleaning, gardening, cooking, or simply relaxing, there was almost always music filling her home.
Joyce was also legendary for saving things others considered disposable. Shopping bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic utensils, Tupperware, dishes, and an ever-growing collection of coffee cups all found a permanent place in her home. While family members often teased her about being a collector (or hoarder), she simply believed that almost everything had a purpose someday and hated waste.
Above all, Joyce leaves behind a legacy of resilience, courage, generosity, honesty, faith, and unconditional love. She demonstrated that a person’s value is not measured by what they possess but by what they give to others.
Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Phila Essenburg; beloved children, Wayne VandenBosch and Liza VandenBosch; her son-in-law, Kevin Riemersma; and granddaughter, Kayla Rusticus, whose memories she carried in her heart every day.
She is survived by her loving children: Jill VandenBosch (Scott, partner); Bryan VandenBosch (Pam); Merry Jo Riemersma (Kevin); Kelly VandenBosch (Maureen “Micki”); and Bob VandenBosch (Stacy).
She also leaves behind her cherished sisters, Beth Day, Jean Puegh, and Gretchen Potts, whose lifelong love and friendship meant so much to her.
Joyce was the proud grandmother of Derek, Paige, Mitchell, Josh, Cory, Cole, Morgan,Aaron, Ally, Adam, Nickolas, Sean, and Annabelle, along with many beloved great-grandchildren, Isla Marie, Ivy Jo, Lucy, Wayne, Walker, and Addison, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, creating memories filled with laughter, stories, unconditional love, and the warmth that only she could provide.
She also leaves behind countless relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and members of her church family who will deeply miss her phone calls, her laughter, her quick wit, the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of country music playing throughout her home, and the comforting presence she so generously shared.
While her family grieves the loss of an extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, they also celebrate a life that was lived with remarkable courage and purpose. Joyce proved every day that love is measured by sacrifice, strength is revealed through perseverance, and family is life’s greatest blessing.
Those fortunate enough to know Joyce will remember her for her fierce independence, unwavering faith, unmatched work ethic, stubborn determination, unmistakable honesty, infectious laughter, generous heart, resourcefulness, and the countless ways she quietly made the lives of others better.
Her greatest legacy will forever live on in the family she raised, the values she instilled, the faith she lived, and the love she gave so freely.
A funeral service will be held Thursday July 23rd at 12 noon at South Olive CRC 6425 120th Ave. Holland, Visitation will begin at 10 prior to the service also at the church.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Comments