FUNERAL HOME

Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home - Kentwood

4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE

Kentwood, Michigan

Joan Tompkins Obituary

Tompkins, Joan Kay After living a good life, Joan Kay Tompkins (Robinson), aged 59 of Kentwood, completed her journey on Monday, February 16, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Bette Robinson. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Eugene Tompkins; daughters, Jody Tompkins, Julie Tompkins; granddaughter, Mariana Kay Tompkins; sister, Janice (Dennis) Johnson; brother, James (Kelly) Robinson; special aunt, Johnnie Church; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many very special friends. Joan graduated from Rogers High School in 1973 and then began working for Kmart, where she retired from in 2012 after 35 years of employment. Joan enjoyed the beach and going for long drives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming with Fr. Michael Alber presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family to celebrate Joan's life on Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or St. John Vianney Foundation. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Tompkins

Not sure what to say?





I still remember her laughter and smiles! Peace be with each of you <3

Cimo

School

February 10, 2023

Joan, I took a break from facebook came back and you were gone. I'm glad you're not in pain anymore. I know you fought the good fight and stayed positive. Kudos to Eugene for supporting you through this journey. I will miss your dimples and your laugh. You will make the perfect angel! You're free my friend.............fly!!!!!

Laurie Miller

May 4, 2015

Joan was a beautiful person inside and out. She could light up a room with her smile. If you met her you liked her instantly and you'd never forget her. I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.

Melody Mazurek

February 20, 2015

What can I say you were the best,Love you my Friend.....

Joni & Doug Hyde

February 20, 2015

My prayers are with you and your family.

Paulette Burdick (Bigelow)

February 19, 2015

Wishing you that her beautiful memories stay always with you all.

Edilia and Ramiro Gonzalez

February 19, 2015

Here's to a life well-lived! Bless your family and friends as we celebrate your life with love and laughter. Thanks for making this world a better place, allways.

D Semo Cimochowicz

February 19, 2015

Beautiful Joan your smile will be with all of us forever, Prayers for Eugene and your lovely girls and to all of us that will miss you always..

Sandy Cousineau-Mercer

February 19, 2015

I want to extend my sympathies to the Tompkins family. Joan was one of those rare people who made you a better person just by having known her, however briefly. Her smile and laugh brightened everyone's day. Even Heaven will be a better place with her there.

Patrick VanBoven

February 19, 2015

You will forever be in my heart ..

Ericka DeWitt

February 19, 2015

Always a good friend to everyone . My prayers and sympathy to all of you .

Doug Burkholder

February 18, 2015

I have so many memories to last until I see you again my dear friend, so this is not goodbye. I will miss you always. Our deepest sympathy to Eugene, Jody, Julie and Marianna.

Becky & Ken Shields

February 18, 2015

I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to all of you. I grew up with Joan on the next street over and am a Facebook friend. She had such a beautiful smile and a very welcoming heart and spirit. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. From what I understand she fought a good fight. Praying for you all.

Mary Venema

February 18, 2015

My dear cousin Joan,

You were such an inspiration to me all these years. I loved how we shared emails and chatted on Facebook throughout the years. I remember how happy you always were! I remember our family trips to Michigan during the summers in the 1960's - some of the best times of my childhood! We called you "Little Joannie". Even as a child you were so happy and positive!

You have been so strong, brave, and inspirational when you decided to chronicle your fight against cancer on Facebook! In almost every post you were smiling through it all!

You will be missed my dear sweet cousin!

Love,
Your Colorado Cousin,
Karen (Van Lewen) Benigar

Karen Benigar

February 18, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Donna Fras

February 18, 2015

I haven't seen Joan in year (we went to school together, from kindergarten through 12th grade). Joan had an uplifting and fun personality and brought light into the lives of all she met. She will be missed, but she is in the loving arms of her savior and there is nothing better than that. Our prayers go out to the family.

Jerilyn Bird (Pachulski)

February 18, 2015

Gene, very sorry to hear about your wife. My deepest and sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Dan McGraw

February 18, 2015

From co-workers in the early Kmart years to an instant longtime friendship Joan always had that big smile. There was always laughter and tons of fun when Joan was present. I have so many wonderful memories of our friendship. Eugene, Jody and Julie my prayers are with you. She will be greatly missed.

Vicki Beck

February 18, 2015

February 18, 2015
My sincerest sympathy to your family for your loss. I worked with Joan at K mart

Helen Webber

February 18, 2015

Sending prayers and my condolences from far away. I worked with Joan at Kmart. And I will miss her dearly.

Taryn Colby

February 18, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May she fly with angels with our Lord above. She looking down at you all with a smile on her face.

Jovita Bishop

February 18, 2015

Tompkins and Robinson Family, This is a very sad day. Joan was AWESOME! Always so much fun and her smile was contagious!She was taken way to young, But she suffered long enough. Jesus said it was time. She is suffering know more.With my deepest sympathy.

Deborah and Allen Martinez

February 17, 2015

My sincerest sympathy to Joan's family. I worked with Joan at Kmart in Kentwood. I remember her wonderful sense of humor. I could always count on a smile from Joan.

Jeanie Huyck

February 17, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Joan always had a amazing smile and laugh. My prayers are with you

Lori Schultz

February 17, 2015

I will miss Joan and her beautiful smile and heart. Much sympathy goes out to Eugene, their daughters, granddaughter, brother, and sister.

Linda Stinson Dumont

February 17, 2015

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was a bright, happy person, and the world is not as nice without her.

February 17, 2015

I will miss that wonderful smile of yours Joan! You are in heaven and at peace with the angels now looking down at us and smiling with that beautiful smile! You will be greatly missed!

Dorie Slagter

February 17, 2015

may the love of the lord surround you all as Joan makes her journey home. I love you all, and will miss her terribly...

dawnn somerset

February 17, 2015

Joan you were a great friend, co worker and the most wonderful person I have ever known I will truly miss.

Marlene Russell

February 17, 2015

Across the miles, our hearts weep. You have brightened every path you crossed. You will be missed by many, but not forgotten. Memory Eternal Miss Joan. Our condolences and deepest sympathy to Family and Friends.

Godspeed ... May your next Journey shower you with as much love and kindness as you always gave to others.

Monica and Dan Miller

February 17, 2015

Prayers for her family. She is in a better place.

Christy Simmons

February 17, 2015

My condolences for your loss. I enjoyed her friendship in high school.

Peggy Fisher-Shull

February 17, 2015

To the Family of Joan
I didn't know her,but I'm family of Bonnie Allen.. And she loved her so much!
I have been keeping Joan in my prayers
And now will be praying even more for you
From reading all the comments here
What an amazing lady she was!
You should feel so blessed to have been able to share all these years with her!!!
Please remember all she gave to each one of you...
Love every day and give the best you can to others.. Jus as she did!
May God bless you and your family
And I pray that God will be with you all at this tender time
Remember her contagious smile
And remember the beautiful words that she spoke
Remember her eyes that looked at you
Remember her voice ...that echoes around you
Forever she will love you
In deepest sympathy

Susan DeGroot

February 17, 2015

To the Tompkins family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time.

Sandra Siciliano

February 17, 2015

Joan will be greatly missed! She was a wonderful friend to my sister, Becky! Expressing our sympathy to the whole family, especially Jim, who we haven't seen in a long time (since you moved out of the neighborhood!).

Susan & Gary Bourque

February 17, 2015

To Joannie,
You have fought the fight bravely. God has called you home. Peace be with you. Prayers to the family for comfort.

Conrad/Bonnie Tompkins

February 17, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Your family are in my thoughts, and prayers. Joan was, and is one of the greatest women I every had the honor of knowing in my life. I'm so glad my mom worked with her when I was a toddler, and I have been able to know her since. Sending all my love to you.

Jennifer Wohlgemuth

February 17, 2015

Your family is in my prayers. Joan was the best will be missed

nancy monroe

February 17, 2015

Gene, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and the girls at this sad time. Dave and Carrie Dykhuis

February 17, 2015

Joan your an amazing woman you are the toughest lady I know to fight as much as you did. Now you are an angel to watch over your family. You'll always have a special place in our hearts.

amy brown

February 17, 2015

You were one of the best mothers I knew. You were the team mom to almost the whole senior girls. I will miss you and treasure all the memories I had with you. ♡♡♡♡♡

Jennifer Acton

February 17, 2015

May your heart be lightened knowing our dear Joan is in no more pain. She the bright and shining star you will see at night watching over you ... Always a smile, instead of a frown,always a hand, when one is down.Always true, thoughtful and kind,wonderful memories she left behind. May god guide you through these days to come. And give you strength when you are over come. God Bless Joan was a blessing to everyone she met .

Donna DeVries

February 17, 2015

Sorry for your loss. Prayers sent to the family..

Linda Dunham

February 17, 2015

I will always remember Joan and her smile. She made me laugh whenever I was around her. She put up a great fight, but now she will have to fight no more. Be at peace Joan and fly with the Angels. Prayers to the family, and keep her wonderful memories in your heart forever.

Barbara Moerdyke

February 17, 2015

You are with the angels now. You were one in a million Joan. You will be missed. X o x o

Deb Hubbard

February 17, 2015

You are with the angels now. You were one in a million Joan. You will be missed. X o x o

Deb Hubbard

February 17, 2015

Aunt Joan, I Love you so much and will always remember that you inspired me to pursue my career in nursing. I feel you looking down on all of us and will cherish my memories of you.

Angela Chlebana

February 17, 2015

Gene, we are so sorry to learn of Joan's passing. I know it was a long struggle for her and the entire family. Our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Kind Regards,
Roger Skorupski
and
the employees of American Seating Company

February 17, 2015

YOU TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES IN SO MANY WAYS.. ALWAYS WITH LOVE, A SMILE ,A LAUGH,OR A HELPING HAND.YOUR JOB HERE IS WELL DONE, YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED BY MANY.

BETTY WALCOTT AND FAMILY

February 17, 2015

You fought the good fight, Joan. I am so glad you are no longer in pain and in heaven with the angels. Watch over your family as they will miss you so much.

Celeste Grasman

February 17, 2015

In loving memory of my friend Joan, My sympathies to the Tompkins family. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Rest In Peace Joan.

Judy Newton

February 17, 2015

Thank you for the gift of friendship, I will miss you and love you forever. Peace.

Penny Urbanski

February 17, 2015

I will miss you the rest of my life. Thank you for being my friend. Peace.

Penny Urbanski

February 17, 2015

Forever I will cherish our memories my best friend of 56 years As my dearest friend she will always be in my heart I am praying for you guys and I am here for you always I love you

Bonnie Buntjer Allen

February 17, 2015

You will be missed for the rest of my life. Thank you for being my friend.

Penny Urbanski

February 17, 2015

Geno, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers my friend.

Mike & Deb Long

February 17, 2015

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss my friend till we are together again.

Karen Kayser

February 16, 2015

You are in my thoughts and prayers as you now travel this long road. Joan's ever present smile is what I will always remember!

Nancie (Pittman) Evenocheck

February 16, 2015

The Tompkins Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you, she sure did put up a good fight my thoughts & prayers are with you.

Sue Popma

February 16, 2015

Sorry for your loss . She will be deeply missed . She was a very kind person .

Ashley Savage

February 16, 2015

Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results

Make a Donation
in Joan Tompkins's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Joan Tompkins

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home - Kentwood

4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508-4663

How to support Joan's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joan Tompkins's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more