Hendrika "Henny" Schuster

HENDRIKA "HENNY" SCHUSTER, 89, of Powhatan, formerly of Richmond, widow of Victor K. Schuster, went to be with her Lord December 11, 2014. She is survived by 3 children, Marcia Douglas of South Carolina, Donna Mead (Patrick) of Powhatan, Kent Schuster (Melody) of Midlothian; brother, Kryn VanBeekum, Jr. of Illinois; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Monday from 1 to 2 pm in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt. 60), Powhatan followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 2 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. TIME LINE 1925 Born February 5th in Salt Lake City, UT1925 Moved to Berwyn, IL 1929 Made a trip to the Netherlands to visit her maternal and paternal grandparents. 1930 Brother, Kryn vanBeekum Jr. born. 1939 Attended J. Sterling Morton High School and Junior College. Was a member of the French Club, Creative. Writing Club, Drama Club, the school Choir and the School Government. 1945 February 3rd. Married Victor Kent Schuster. Moved from Berwyn Ill. to Washington D.C (briefly). Then on to Stillwater Oklahoma where Victor studied at the Naval Japanese Language School. Hendrika was a reporter for the local newspaper. 1946 WW II ended. Moved back to Berwyn IL. And on July 28th, oldest child, Marcia Lee was born. 1951 Victor was recalled to active duty in Washington D.C during the Korean War. The family moved to East Riverdale,Md. 1954 The 2nd child was born, Donna Marie. The family moved to Richmond Va. Victor was employed with Reynold's Metals Company. 1958 Kent Edward was born on May 26th. 1967 Matriculated into Richmond Professional Institute (VCU) Obtained her B.A in Education with High Honors. 1970-1982 Taught 7th grades at Good Shepherd School. 1982 Victor retired from Reynold's Metals Company. Victor and Hendrika relocated to Abingdon Va. Victor was Director of the Abingdon Chamber of Commerce and both he and Hendrika worked tirelessly in obtaining and achieving Certification for Abingdon as a business community. Hendrika was a member of the Sinking Spring's Presbyterian Church choir, a volunteer at Johnston Memorial Hospital and a member of the women's Hospital auxiliary. It is at this time she began researching the lives of famous historical women whom she portrayed to various civic groups, schools, retirement homes and historical societies, writing her own scripts and and sewing all her own costumes. Some of the famous women in history that she portrayed were: Martha Washington Mrs. Robert E. Lee 2nd Mrs. Patrick Henry Mrs. J.E.B Stuart Edith Bolling Wilson Dolly Madison Betsy Ross Lila Meade Valentine Diana Maury Corbin Varina Howell Davis Mrs. Charles Cummings Madam Elizabeth Russell Mrs. Sarah Campbell Preston Mrs. Joseph E. Johnston Corinne Roosevelt Robinson Nancy Ward The Miller's wife Early School Teacher Queen Elizabeth the II 2006 Moved to Powhatan, Va. to live with Donna and Patrick Mead (daughter and son-in-law) due to Victor's Failing health. 2008 Victor Kent Schuster died September 23rd. Hendrika continued to give her historical portrayals and was an Active member of the Powhatan Historical Society and the Crestwood Presbyterian Church. 2014 Hendrika van Beekum expired December 11th. Achievements: Henny as she was known to all, was a loyal friend, a hard worker, a great listener and a true lady in every sense of the word. She loved meeting and getting to know people and took a true interest in their lives. She loved to sew, read and write creative poems and stories. Several of her poems and stories were published in local newspapers. She was nominated and awarded the Virginia Ageless Hero Award which was presented to her by Senator John Warner in Abingdon Va.in the late 1990's

Service:

Monday, December 15, 2014 2:00 PM

Bennett & Barden Funeral Home 3215 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139



Visitation:

Monday, December 15, 2014 From 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Bennett & Barden Funeral Home 3215 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139