Dorothy Contant ’50 Hendrickson

Dorothy Contant ’50 Hendrickson , age 90 years.  Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother experienced the promise of eternal life on July 27, 2018.  She was born and raised in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey daughter of Peter and May Contant.   After graduating from Hasbrouck Heights High School, Dorothy boarded a train to Hope College in Holland, MI.  She met Paul Hendrickson there when he passed her pink peppermints in class.  They married on July 8, 1950.  She used her English degree to teach in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.  When the US Army called Paul to service, she returned to Hasbrouck Heights where their oldest daughter, Jill was born. When Paul returned to the United States, they moved to his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. Their family expanded to include Kris and David.  Dorothy’s faith guided her life and she appreciated the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumental way He leads.  She participated in prayer groups and church activities at Calvary Reformed, Oakhill Presbyterian, and Keystone Community.  She now joins her dear prayer partners Ginny Broersma and Wyoma Rowerdink worshipping at the feet of Jesus.  At the urging of these three, Mary Ghee wrote about  her missionary experiences in India titled God Guides. It became Dorothy’s favorite book, as it detailed the way the Holy Spirit guides those who listen and obey.  Her leisure time was spent with family-preferably near water.  Their swimming pool in Grand Rapids, their home on Lake Michigan and the cottage on Bostwick Lake were open for visitors. Delicious root beer floats were served at the end of the day.  She wanted her grandchildren’s feet placed in Lake Michigan early, so “they learn to love the water.”  Dorothy’s family heirloom furniture pieces were proudly displayed in her home and she readily told the stories that accompanied these pieces.  Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July.  She delighted in the firework display particularly if over a lake.  She loved to search for a bargain and enjoyed telling the story of finding a great one. She was an advocate for Mental Health and Recovery programs.  She also facilitated women’s studies courses at Grand Rapids Community College (Grand Rapids Junior College).  Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, special aunts Nel Breen and Jenny VanderHorn, her brother Edgar, her daughter and son in law Jill and Doug Applegate and grandson Jared Applegate.  The family who gratefully celebrate her life include husband of 68 years, Paul Hendrickson, daughter Kris Gallagher (Dan) and son David Hendrickson (Paige).  Her grandchildren include Shawn Applegate (Kristie), Chad Gallagher (Ali), Jordan Gallagher (Molly), Christopher Gallagher (Stephanie), David Gallagher (Shannon), Derek Hendrickson (Elizabeth), Cory Hendrickson (Sarah) and Jill Hendrickson.  The family also includes 13 great grandchildren.

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