Jane Hesselschwerdt

Jane Lephaette Prescott Hesselschwerdt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died March 17, 2023 aged 97. Jane was born in Hudson Falls, New York. She chose nursing as her career, graduating from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York in 1947. She met Donald William Hesselschwerdt (married 65 years) in Albany, New York during his internship. They decided on Grand Rapids for their home and were most happy here. She loved being a doctor's wife, which gave her the freedom to invest in her family of six children and friends. She loved history and the genealogy of her family dating back to the 1600’s. She donated many historical artifacts from the Prescott estate to the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

She was a great supporter of her community, especially the arts in the city. She enjoyed skiing and gave her love for the sport to her family, starting all her children at a young age. She also enjoyed tennis and golf. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald. Her family includes: daughters Ruth (husband Dan Harris with daughters Amy (great-granddaughter Maven) and Jeanette), Kay (daughter Julianne); sons Mark, William (wife Patricia), James (wife Jennifer with children Katherine (husband Joe Goble) and Daniel), Thomas (wife Karen with children Thomas (wife Victoria), Anna, Jane (husband Joseph Meltsner and great-grandson Charles), and William. The family will greet friends on Wednesday March 22nd from 4 to 7pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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