Mary Joyce "Sandy" Heathcote

Mary Joyce “Sandy” Heathcote of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on January 31, 2021 at the age of 96. Mary Joyce was born on September 15, 1924 in Kalamazoo the daughter of James C. and Marjorie E. (Elsey) Van Woert. Mary Joyce graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and went on to her registered nurse certificate at St. Camilus School of Nursing at Borgess Hospital. Upon completion of her nursing degree, Sandy was employed at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital until she was old enough to take her State Boards. She eventually served as Director of the Nursery at Borgess Hospital. As she and Buck raised four children, she was employed in the medical office of Dr. Doris Dahlstrom and Dr. Roger Smith. Having taken time away from the Medical field, Sandy worked for a few years at the D & C Store at Eastwood Plaza before finishing 18 years as chair side assistant for Dr. Dean Richardson, DDS. On April 10, 1946 she married the love of her life Francis B. “Buck” Heathcote from their love four children were brought into this world. Sandy and Buck shared a passion for bowling, and they bowled in several state and local tournaments. One of their favorite things to do was to spend summers at their fifth wheel in Marcellus at Beach Grove with their closest friends. She was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Mary Joyce is preceded in her passing by her parents, husband and children: Dane C. Heathcote and Danelle C. Heathcote. Left to cherish her loving memory are her children: David C. (Ruthie) Heathcote and Debbie C. (Doug) Dykehouse, twelve grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. In accordance with Mary Joyce’s wishes cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest with the rest of her family on a date to be determined in the spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers the family asks that all memorial donations be directed to the Hospice Care of South West Michigan. While visiting Mary Joyce’s tribute page please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory. The Heathcote family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.