Mary "Lisa" Jeske

Mary Lisa Jeske embraced each moment she was given and faced each new challenge head-on. She was a woman of great strength and at the same time, she had a kind heart and gentle spirit. It was no secret that her family was of the utmost importance to Lisa and that it was her greatest ambition to provide her children and grandchildren with every opportunity to become happy and successful in their own lives. In the mid 1950s, Larry and Margaret (Lueder) Westerhouse, of Grand Haven, Michigan were preparing for an exciting time in their lives as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their second child. They were indeed blessed on May 1, 1956 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Mary Lisa. She joined older sister Christine and was later followed by brother, Rick, and half-brothers Dale and Mike. Early on, her mother made the decision to call her by her middle name of Lisa. After her parents divorced when she was only two, she and her sister spent much time at their Grandmother Fotchmans house while her mother worked many hours as a waitress at Turks Inn. In addition to time spent at her grandmothers house, Lisa often played at her Aunt Amandas (Monies) house where she worked in the blueberry fields and cherry picked. During this time, she paved the way for a love story which would span more than 37 years. While at her aunts house, Lisa met a boy named Lester Jeske when she was just about ten years old. Lisa became pregnant at the age of 15 while she was still in high school. Although those around Lisa claimed she was too young to marry her sweetheart, she and Lester knew differently and were married on April 7, 1972. It was also important to Lisa that she remain in traditional school, and that she did, even staying on the honor roll every semester while helping Lester pass as well. She also took courses with H Block which allowed her to prepare taxes which she loved. Lisa and Lester were deeply saddened as they lost their firstborn, Timothy, to staff and strep infections he contracted during their hospital stay just shortly after his birth. Doctors proceeded to inform Lisa that she would not be able to become pregnant and have more children, although years later, she would prove this diagnosis wrong when they were blessed with daughters, Heather (1975) and Jessica (1977). Lisa completely embraced her role as a mother and she established numerous memories for her daughters which they will forever cherish. One of the earliest memories Heather has is of her mother reading her a Disney book while she was lying in bed. Jessicas first memory with her mother is dancing in the living room to the song Eye of the Tiger. The girls also fondly recall trips to South Carolina to visit their grandparents which always included a trip to the Flee. As they got older, they recall camping up north with their Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sharon. It was of great value to both Lisa and Lester that they do everything possible to make sure that life was not as difficult for their daughters as it had been for them. They worked hard and made it their goal to not be in debt to anyone, to have a nice house, and retire early as well. When her girls were younger, Lisa did whatever she could to help make ends meet, including daycare in her home, so that she was able to be at home to care for her girls. When the girls were 1 and 3, Lisa and Lester experienced their first house fire. They literally dropped their girls out the window to keep them safe from harm. Out of this, Lisa and Lester learned the importance of always being prepared and impressed that upon their girls. Hence, as Lisa said, always sleep with clothes on or with a robe close to the bed. As their girls grew older, new doors of opportunity opened for Lisa. Although she had several other positions earlier in life, she began her most fulfilling job at the SHAPE Corporation in Grand Haven where she worked for the past 13 years. Lisa and Lester, along with assistance from their friends, were able to build what would have been their retirement home. Shortly after the building process, this home experienced a fire but it didnt stop them from going forward with their plans. Lisa and Lester were thrilled to see their daughters both graduate from college and while in college, Heather met a young man whom she later married. This union also brought Lisa her hearts desire; the opportunity to become a grandmother with the birth of her grandchildren: Wade, Brooke, and Reed. Lisa was a doting grandmother and was always prepared for impromptu visits. Lisa was also blessed to have her daughter Jessica living right next door which allowed for special family memories that were balanced with just the right amount of privacy. Lisa was truly one-of-a kind and had traits and interests that were unique to her. She rarely showed emotion and felt it was her job to be strong. Lisa was beautiful on the inside and out and was always sure to leave the house with her hair and make-up in tact. She enjoyed reading, shopping at yard sales, camping, Christmas time and trips to the casino. Lisa was dedicated to both her work and her family and was very strong-willed (which the family calls bull-headed) and determined when it came to things she felt passionate about. Sadly, Lisa became ill near the end of March this year. At first her condition started mimicking other aches and pains until one day, it was determined that she could be having a stroke. In the end, after further testing, she was diagnosed with Lung cancer which had traveled to her other lung and well as to her brain. Lisa fought hard and didnt want to give up, but after just 45 days from the onset, Lisa was unable to recover from her health challenges and she drew her last breath surrounded be her loving family. Lisa Jeske was an extraordinary woman who lived her life with great strength and determination balanced flawlessly with a loving heart. She was dedicated to her family and she made the most of each day, embracing both the peaks and valleys along her journey. Although her family says goodbye for now, her husband and family find reassurance in knowing that their paths will cross again someday. Lisa Jeske will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Mary "Lisa" Jeske died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Lisas family includes her husband of 37 years, Lester Jeske; her children, Heather (Robert) Schulz and Jessica Jeske; her grandchildren, Wade, Brooke and Reed Schulz; mother, Margaret Lueder; step-mother, Shirley Westerhouse; sister, Christine (Gary) Hyde; brothers, Richard Westerhouse, Eugene "Dale" Cooper and Michael Westerhouse; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Timothy Jeske, her father, Larry Westerhouse, and several grandparents. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 760 East Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Visit with Lisas family and friends for one hour prior to the services with luncheon following. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory.