Joanne Jane Kamps

Joanne Jane Kamps, age 93, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. She will be remembered by her surviving family members: children David Kamps, Linda Cundiff, and Terry Kamps; sister, Marge Leestma; brothers, Harold and Arvin Nylaan; grandchild, Shelby Cundiff; and great-grandchildren Luc and Nic Henry; the Gail Kamps family and the Henry family. Preceding Joanne in death are her family members: parents Harry and Sue Nylaan; siblings Edward Nylaan, Sidney Nylaan, Jean Berends, baby Gerald, Gerald (Sonny) Nylaan, Melvin Nylaan; husband, Howard Kamps; daughter-in-law, Anita Kamps; grandchild, Nikki Henry; and many other family members and friends.

Joanne filled her life caring for family and friends. She found joy raising her three children Dave, Linda, and Terry; being a special sister to Marge; a Grammie to Shelby and Nikki; and GG to Nic and Luc. All who came to know her would speak of her generous spirit; sweet, kind heart; and her great sense of humor. She loved golfing, playing bridge, and meeting with her coffee klatch friends. Jo was an avid reader and a brave traveler, visiting her daughters as they moved around the US and her son on boating outings in Grand Haven. She loved the beach on any continent, coast, or lake. Her church family appreciated her as a Sunday school teacher, board member, generous volunteer, and social activist. She lived her life following her favorite sayings: "Have faith and let the plot unfold"; "Go with the flow"; "Let go and let God"; "Choose your own attitude and make it a positive one"; and lastly, "One day at a time and make it a masterpiece!"

Jo graduated from Christian High School and held a variety of jobs during her life, but her favorite by far was the one she retired from as a library/teacher’s aide in the Wyoming Park school system.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be planned for June 2025. Private interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park on Friday, December 13, 2024. The family welcomes any memories, photos, or messages you choose to share with her family and friends, which can be posted here online by clicking the tabs below. They ask that flowers not be sent but would love to hear of any gifts in her honor you might send to Joanne’s lifelong church family at Wyoming Park United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.