Jill White Wiswell

On the 21st day of May 2024, the bright light known as Jill White Wiswell, ceased to shine, leaving behind a legacy of optimism and love for life. On her final day she was surrounded, celebrated, loved and serenaded by her small, but very close-knit family as she transitioned from illness to her place of peace and restoration.

A Life Well Lived Up to the Very End is the way she would choose to be remembered. Never the victim, her bravery and solid "suck-it-up" attitude made her a living example of hope and courage. In the most difficult of times, Jill managed to hold her chin up high, and when all else failed, resorted to her brilliant sense of humor.

Her love of entertaining and legendary holiday parties will remember by many for years to come. One such bash, thanks to Jill's cocktail napkins, inspired a bit of doodling that resulted in the creation of a bicycle business we know today as TerraTrike.

Born in Champaign, Illinois, April 2, 1937, the only child of Helen Porterfield White and Howard Lincoln White, Jill inherited her father's sense of humor and love of the farmland. She enjoyed many adventures to check the beans and corn, and on one such occasion, a baby pig or two found their way into the trunk of her father's bright white, very tidy Chrysler.

Jill attended high school at Champaign Central, where she and her gals formed a lifelong friend-group proudly known as The Dirty 8. The gang was not truly "naughty" by today's standards, just a bit adventurous. In fact, Jill remains famous for backing up her father's convertible so fast the drive-in speaker stand tore the car door right off its hinges. She and The Dirty 8 were chasing boys, and word has it, it happened more than once. Thankfully, no one went to jail.

Following her illustrious high school career, Jill moved on to Miami of Ohio University, before transferring to University of Michigan where she received her BS in Nursing and developed a life-long passion for football and the Maize & Blue! She met and married Jim Wiswell, also a U of M student, who earned his MBA before moving to Hastings in 1963. Their shared enthusiasm for U of M never waivered: GO BLUE!

As Jim took over the leadership of Barry County Lumber following his father's passing, Jill eagerly jumped into her new community. The friends Jim and Jill made through the First Presbyterian Church, schools, community organizations and businesses made Jill very proud to have had the opportunity to raise her family in Hastings.

An avid reader, Jill was active in the very first Library Board in Hastings where she supported reading and education. She spent years singing in the Presbyterian Church Choir and volunteering for church events and activities. Jill gave her time and talents for decades to the Pennock Hospital Gift Shop using her creativity for decorations for all the seasons and occasions. Her basement remains a testament to crafting (or hoarding?) and never giving up a single ribbon, candle, dried flower or Christmas ornament. As a matter of formality, Jill retired from cooking in 2005 and remains famous for her indomitable fear of housekeeping.

Jill loved the game of tennis and over the years played with both her husband and many friends. She also followed the sport on TV rarely missing a major match. Michigan football and Tom Brady dominate her television during the "season" and her close friends and family knew NEVER to call during an important game (or worship session as the case may be!).

Her friends and their support for one another, encouragement, laughter (LOTS of laughter), tears and moments of celebration are what Jill valued most in her life next to her beloved husband and family. She was a great friend, known to never to betray a confidence and knew nothing of judgement. An eternal optimist, she could be trusted to listen, show up and make the best martini in the most challenging of times.

Jill's adventurous and free-spirited side established the annual Wiswell Women Adventures where shopping and theater commenced. Her love of music and theater were part of every occasion, be it a holiday party, road trip or traveling Adventure. Her children along with the youngsters of close family friends played leading thespian roles dressed as giant Presents, Elves, Angles, Stable Animals and Reindeer. Sadly, no one ever won a Tony.

As a grandmother, she believed wholeheartedly in making life fun and the power of ice-cream for breakfast. Her infamous gorilla suit both terrified and delight her grandchildren and many others on Halloween nights on Green Street. It is unknown who will carry forth the Gorilla-torch on Halloween nights to come.

After 63 ½ years of marriage, Jim and Jill remain thankful for this generous community that has served as a wonderful place to own a business and raise their growing family. They loved to travel and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see beautiful places throughout the world with some of their closest friends and business associates. Despite their journeys, Jill firmly believed that Hastings remains the Best Place Ever to call home.

Jill will be forever loved and remembered by her adoring husband, James Roger Wiswell of Hastings. Her children will do their best to carry on her strength, optimism and sense of adventure: Thomas H. Wiswell and his wife, Allison; Jack R. Wiswell and his wife, Lori; and Laura (Wiswell) Parker and her husband, Tom. Jill cherished beyond words her beautiful grandchildren, Brandon Wiswell, Sydney Wiswell and her husband Steven and Norah Wiswell.

A private family graveside burial will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. A celebration of life will take place later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Jill's name may be made to The Mayo Clinic or The Community Foundation. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.