Prairie State Wire

Orland Park, IL — Jean Heersema, nee Beukema, passed away at the age of 97. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry "Hank" Heersema and the late Harold Cooper. Jean was a loving mother to Bonnie (Steve) Hoffmann, Ida (Mike) Walsh, Nelayne (late Parry) Griffiths, and stepmother to Sandra (Jim) Agema and Karen Heersema. She was a cherished grandmother to several including Carrie McNamara, Katie (Emilio) Guitierrez, Lindsey (Vince) Bellik, Jeanne (Jim) Beamer, Heather (Scott) Simpson, Ruth Ann Cooper, Harold (Teri) Cooper, Jonathan Cooper, Nathan (late Tia) Griffiths, and others. Jean was also a dear great-grandmother to 21.

Preceded in death by her siblings Helena Creany, Clara DeBoer, Alice Kerkstra, Ida Bruinius, Albert Beukema, and Nell Bruinius, Jean was a fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park, IL. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL.

During her 97 years, Jean Heersema was known for her love, kindness, and role as a matriarch in her family, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy of warmth and care.

Expressions of condolences and thoughts can be shared at colonialchapel.com or by contacting 708-532-5400.

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