Judy Bennink, 82, has built a life rooted in both care and curiosity. She and her late husband, Donald, adopted and raised two children in Coopersville while building careers for themselves and making time to explore the world.
Dedicating her career to caring for others, Judy spent 30 years as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. She started as a medical transcriptionist before going back to school in her 40s to become an RN. While Judy spent countless shifts at the hospital, Don built his career and became a master of sewing machines at Irwin Seating Company. Family camping trips were a staple, and later in life, they visited bucket-list destinations like Hawaii and Alaska.
She and Don retired after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Judy became his caregiver. The two continued to take their motorhome around the country until it became too difficult to manage alongside
his care needs. After his death in 2016, Judy continued seeking out new experiences, including a European river cruise she took on her own.
Beyond traveling, Judy is known for her pies, made with a simple, four-ingredient crust. Though her baking days are behind her, she would often gift her pies to friends and loved ones who still reminisce about them today.
Judy is also known for her adoration of her seven grandchildren, whose photos line her room. And she shares a particularly close bond with her daughter, Marissa Clugston — one that has endured across moves and life changes.
“My mom and I have always been very close,” Marissa said. “She’s been my supporter and I’ve been hers.”
That closeness often meant following one another across state lines. When Marissa moved, Judy would sometimes follow, ensuring they could remain near each other through different seasons of life. When Judy first started experiencing health declines, Marissa was there for her, along with support from her brother, Kent Bennink.
“I was at a point in my life where I was able to go to her apartment every day, get her mail, pick up her groceries and take out the garbage,” Marissa shared. “I did that for a couple of years but as time progressed, her falls became more serious.”
The decision was made to move Judy into a senior living community in 2023. She started in an independent setting, but additional falls led to her having to rely on others for much of her daily care.
“After a really bad fall, she went from complete independent living to 100% skilled nursing,” Marissa said. “It was really tragic to see most of her independence taken away.”
Hospice has stepped in to help fill the gaps, not only managing Judy’s medical needs and keeping her comfortable, but also supporting the family. For Kent, that support has extended to his own grief.
“It’s been difficult seeing mom’s health decline,” he said. “There have been times where it’s hit me hard. Our Emmanuel Hospice social worker, Becca, checks in with me every week. It has been really helpful having someone to talk to throughout this journey. Hospice really is not just for the patient, but also for the family.”
A full care team – including nurses, social workers and spiritual support staff – provides regular updates, emotional support and an added layer of advocacy in Judy’s senior living community that gives Kent and Marissa peace of mind that their mom is well taken care of.
“I can’t be there every day anymore,” said Marissa, who now lives in Texas. “Hospice has been my eyes and ears. That’s truly been a blessing.”
“Even though I live close by, I can’t be there 24/7 since I work full time,” Kent added. “The care team has been wonderful at keeping us in the loop and taking extra steps to make sure mom is comfortable.”
Emmanuel Hospice has also introduced moments of connection and joy into Judy’s routine. A volunteer brings a dog to visit her, offering comfort reminiscent of the mini-Pomeranian she once had. A music therapist plays guitar at her bedside. Massage therapy helps her relax.
The care team is also helping Judy and her family create lasting keepsakes, including hand molds, a thumbprint art piece and a recording of her heartbeat set to one of her favorite songs. These tangible items and other experiences, including Judy’s Lion King wish, serve as a reminder that meaningful moments and new memories are still possible in life’s last chapter.
“I can’t say enough good things about Emmanuel Hospice,” Kent said. “It has been a great experience even though this isn’t the greatest of times.”
WZZM covered this experience for the family in a beautiful news broadcast here: https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/dream-come-true-local-woman-in-hospice-sees-the-lion-king/69-beb154c7-01b2-477a-bade-0a87a57925f5