Joan Oosterbaan

Mary and Ed Buczkowski welcomed home their daughter Joan into the world on October 9, 1967, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her arrival brought her family much joy and happiness. Born to a set of hardworking parents, her father was an accountant, and her mother was a teacher. Inspired by her mother and maternal grandmother, Joan also later became a teacher. When she was young Joan cared for her community by accompanying her parents as they volunteered at migrant worker camps and delivered food to families in need through Meals on Wheels. These early experiences in generosity shaped her as an adult and she was always known for giving back and supporting anyone in need. As a family, the Buczkowski’s would occasionally take an RV out west where Joan learned to love and appreciate the outdoors. Joan spent many happy years and made life-long friends at St. Augustine Elementary School and at Hackett Catholic Prep, where she ran cross country and track. After graduating from high school, Joan enrolled at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana to earn her teaching degree.

While Joan was out on a blind date, the course of her life was changed forever. Her date introduced her to his close friend, J.P. Oosterbaan and for J.P., it was love at first sight. J.P. called Joan the next day and asked her out on a date, and the rest is history. In their early years together, the two of them enjoyed spending time near Lake Michigan and Gull lake with their extended family, and visiting family in Naples, Florida. After they married in 1990, they lived in Chicago for several years where Joan taught elementary at St. Teresa’s. They enjoyed the city life, but returned to the Kalamazoo area to raise their three wonderful children: Lizzie, Paul, and Teddy. Devoted to her family, Joan was at the center of all the milestones for her children and made sure to fill their lives with fun and laughter.

As her kids grew up, Joan volunteered and subbed at both St. Augustine elementary and Hackett high school in Kalamazoo. Her warm smile and calm demeanor worked wonders in the classroom and a little candy didn’t hurt either as she often brought a bag to share with students! Joan was always active and on the go, taking advantage of the day ahead. She typically started her mornings early, logging her running miles with her close friend, Lisa Cavanaugh, before sharing a cup of coffee at Water Street together. Joan had many friends and she could make anyone feel special and important in her presence. She enjoyed her book club, often organizing the monthly book choices and meetings. Not many people knew, but she was an amazing dancer and would dance with husband J.P. and her children.

In addition to balancing her family responsibilities and teaching, Joan was a fabulous hostess. She loved to plan gatherings and dinners for her family and friends. She became a regular at the local D&W grocery store where she would stop to pick up all the fixings for a wonderful spread to ensure every guest would have something they would like on the table! The warm and inviting home she managed for her family was a reflection of her kindness. Anyone Joan came across became a part of her life. She found friends everywhere, and thoroughly enjoying her daily chats with old classmates, running partners & everyone she saw during her busy days.

Even when life had its challenges, Joan always looked for the positives. She rejoiced when granddaughter Emma was born and adored watching Lizzie and Adam become parents. She joyfully celebrated Teddy and Shannon’s engagement, and helped with the wedding planning. Joan enjoyed welcoming Paul’s girlfriend, Anna, into the family and going for long walks with J.P., who was always at her side. Her children called or texted her every day and kept her in their daily lives. Their love and support kept her strong. Her time with her granddaughter, Emma, became a highlight in her life. She also loved to play word games with friends and family outside on the patio, showing her competitive spirit and using her intelligence to her advantage. From the time Joan’s children were born, to the day she died, she always had her dear brother John nearby - helping with anything that needed to be done. Joan embraced life, with all of its ups and downs, with grace. She leaned on her faith and always found the good in others. Every visit with Joan included her genuine statement of love for those around her. There is no doubt that Joan's selfless acts will be greatly missed by her countless friends and family.

Joan Oosterbaan, of Kalamazoo, passed away on February 13, 2025. She leaves her family who loved her beyond measure: husband, J.P. Oosterbaan; daughter, Lizzie (Adam) Hall and granddaughter, Emma; sons, Paul Oosterbaan and Teddy (Shannon) Oosterbaan; parents, Mary and Ed Buczkowski; brother, John Buczkowski; sister, Kathy (Tom) Scherer, and her nephew and niece, Tommy and Maggie Scherer. Her sister, Susan Buczkowski, preceded her in death.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Friday, February 21st, from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22nd at 10 AM at Saint Augustine Cathedral. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo or Meals on Wheels America, in memory of Joan Oosterbaan. Please take time to celebrate Joan’s life online by sharing stories and photos for her family to read on her dedicated webpage at BetzerLifeStory.com.