Lucille Mae Van Heest Schroeder, age 90, died on September 2, 2024. The name “Lucille”

means “of the light,” which describes Lucille well as she shone a light for others again and

again throughout her life. She will be remembered as a person with a warm heart for the visitor,

the vulnerable, the marginalized, the lonely, the suffering, and the downtrodden. As an

example, the Schroeder family was never surprised to see an extra face or two at any holiday

meal in our home, as Lucille was quick to extend an invitation to someone with no other place

to go. Her life was lived according to these constant guiding principles, which were the

deepest expression of her personal faith.

Born in Catskill, NY, to Rev. John and Lucile Bishop Van Heest, Lucille was the fifth of seven

Van Heest siblings. Lucille graduated from Catskill High School (1951) and later from Hope

College (1955) with a B.A. in Elementary Education, History, and Biology. She earned an M.A.

in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University (1978).

In 1955 Lucille married Carl J. Schroeder, a Western Theological Seminary student. While living

in Holland, MI, she taught first grade at Lincoln Elementary School in Zeeland. The couple soon

began preparing for missionary work under the Reformed Church of America and were

assigned to Taiwan. Together with their infant son, David, they traveled via the Japanese ocean

liner Hokara Maru in 1957 to their new life overseas.

While in Taiwan, Lucille spent years in language study and served in many roles, including

leading women’s Bible studies, teaching kindergarten at Morrison Academy and in the

English department at Tunghai University, being a den mother for Cub Scouts, and hosting

countless individuals in her and Carl's home, all while being a mother to three children living

in a third-world country.

After returning to the U.S. from missionary service in 1968, Lucille served as a substitute

teacher while also assisting Carl on numerous Lay Witness Missions in churches across the

country. She later entered graduate school to pursue a second career in counseling. After

becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she worked for the Marriage and Family

Center—then affiliated with Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, where Carl served as

Pastor of Care—and later in private practice in Holland, MI. Before retiring, Lucille worked as a

bereavement counselor for Hospice of Holland for three years, followed by 10 years there as a

volunteer.

Throughout her adult life, Lucille was very active in the Reformed Church in a variety of roles:

as a parish elder at Third Reformed Church in Holland, as a small group leader/trainer, as part

of the prayer team, women’s ministry, and care team, and by starting a single women’s

group. She especially loved leading small groups and welcoming visitors and new members.

Her other volunteer activities included mentoring a young student through Kids Hope USA as

well as a Chinese student at Hope College and helping at Evergreen Commons Community

Center and on the Tulip Time trolley. Lucille enjoyed listening to classical music, singing

vintage hymns, reading, walking, Chinese watercolor painting, sketching, knitting, and

crossword puzzles.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Justin, in 2012. She is survived by her

three children: David (Margery) Schroeder of Livonia, MI; Cynthia (Rogelio) Rodriguez of Ada,

MI; and Catherine Schroeder Risley of Grand Rapids, MI. She had six grandchildren: Benjamin

Schroeder, Julia Schroeder, Ana Thieme, Emily Rodriguez, Lauren Neulinger, and Brian Hall;

and a great-grandchild, Lake Schroeder.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at Third Reformed Church, Holland, MI with

visitation at 10:00 AM and the service following at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Kids Hope USA or Hope College, Holland, MI.

The Schroeder family wishes to especially thank Corewell Health Hospice team members

Amanda and Kailee (RN case managers), Steve Shick and Bethany Winn (chaplains), and

Doreen and Shaina (hospice aides) for their excellent care of our mother Lucille.