Joyce E. Beek

Joyce Elisabeth (Kerkkamp) Beek, 80,  died on Saturday, April 28, 2018 surrounded by love, family and angels.  Despite her brief battle with aggressive brain cancer, Joyce maintained her incredible uplifting and positive outlook, her wisdom and most importantly, her sense of humor.  Joyce was an inspiration to so many.  Her passions in life included her love for nature, water and flowers, family, long deep conversations with people whose connections were both old and new to her. Joyce faced a lifetime of hardships and challenges and rather than succumb, she embraced them all as another opportunity for growth.  Joyce worked in various positions throughout her lifetime, including a management position for Swedish American Hospital prior to retirement.

Joyce was born on February 12, 1938 in Medan, Indonesia (The Dutch East Indies) to Jenny and Hendrick Kerkkamp. Survivors include her husband and life partner for 62 years, Johannes Beek; her daughters, Josette Beek, Mady (Glen) Schlupp, Jennifer Fedorev; grandchildren, Cassaundra (Jonathan) Bull, Nicolette Schlupp, Evan Fedorev and Connor Fedorev; sister, Mathilda (George) Prado; sisters-in-law, Ellen Stapper of Jericho, Vermont and Lieke Roos of Amsterdam, Holland; niece and nephews; special friends, including Beth, Paula and Emy; special dog, Henke and cat, Luna "Balluna".

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joyce's life. A Celebration of Life Party will be held on Sunday, May 13, 2018 on Mother's Day to also honor all other mothers being missed from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Westlake Community Center, 3701 Westlake Village in Winnebago, Illinois 61088. Refreshments will be served. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joyce E. Beek, please visit our Tree Store.