Hope Ann Wassenaar died Monday, April 25, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 48 years old.
It would be wrong to say that Hope lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how much pain she was in, she would put a smile on her face and tell you…I’m fine. Like a butterfly pollinating from flower to flower, she spread joy, peace, love, and yes, HOPE, by living out God’s love in whatever she was doing.
After graduating from Michigan State University in 1995, she started working full-time in Christian camping. Though she was never a camper herself, she fell in love with camping ministry in 1993 when she had her first taste of what Christian camping was all about, serving as a summer camp counselor. She was executive director of Son-Life Camp & Retreat Center. Her heart was always with smaller camps, and she loved working with the staff, campers and volunteers at Son-Life.
Hope is survived by her husband of nearly 26 years, Aaron Wassenaar, and her children, Andrew (16) and Aliza (13.) She was the youngest of Chuck and Nancy Herpolsheimer’s three children, little sister of Brad (Cindy) Herpolsheimer and Heather (Harry) Powers, aunt to Calvin, Jay, Kaylie, Max, and Savannah Hope. She was a niece, cousin, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend to many.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday May 2, at Son-Life Camp and Retreat Center (189 126th Ave., Wayland. The format will be similar to an open house, but there will be a dedicated sharing time starting at 5:30 p.m.. Hope’s favorite color was orange. It would be great if you could honor her by wearing something orange if you plan on attending.
A memorial fund has also been set up on GoFundMe in her honor. The money raised will help support organizations and causes that Hope cared about the most, including Son-Life Camp & Retreat Center and metastatic breast cancer research.
A shining star in our community was extinguished, but her legacy lives on through her loved ones and friends. She made a difference in her work with Son -Life Camp and supporting campers and families. Her positive attitude through battling cancer was courageous and inspiring. Hope’s name was rightly given, her life reflected in her name. God bless Hope!