Joan TenHoeve ’50 Paul

Joan TenHoeve ’50 Paul

Joan was born on January 6, 1930, to Thomas and Adeline TenHoeve in Brooklyn, NY. There, she met her future husband, Daniel Paul, as members of the New Brooklyn Reformed Church, where Joan’s father was the pastor.

While in high school, she performed with the select ensemble on NY All City Chorus. In 1946, Joan entered Hope College, along with Dan who has just returned from serving in WW2. Joan and Dan were graduated in 1950 and were married in August. After one year in Connecticut, where Joan taught and Dan attended graduate school, Joan and Dan settled in Holland where they remained for 50 years.

Joan was a dedicated mother, music practitioner and teacher. She taught every grade from kindergarten through 6th while working at Holland and West Ottawa Public Schools, and supervised numerous student teachers. She completed a Master’s degree later in life, and taught classes at Hope College. She was honored with numerous awards and grants related to her progressive thinking on themed teaching.

In retirement, Joan and Dan spent time in Sunny Hills, FL where at the Sunny Hills Community Church Joan lead the choir and was the pianist. Later, to be closer to grandchildren, Joan and Dan spent time in Orange City, IA and Mankato, MN.

Joan died November 17, 2017, and is survived by her sons, James, John and wife Jill and Peter; grandchildren, Daniel D, Elizabeth and Lydia; brother, Tom and his wife Sue; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 30, at 11 a.m. in the Third Reformed Church Chapel.

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