Josephine (Jonnie) Hakeem, age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed from this life, surrounded by her family, to her eternal reward in Heaven, on Monday, January 14, 2013, where she was greeted by her husband John and her brothers and sisters, Ike, George, and Dick Zainea, Rose Masamery, Ann Rinker and Millie Sherman, who escorted her to meet her Lord and Savior. As a mother, grandmother (“Tata”), great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Jonnie was an example to all of us for her generous spirit, her fun-loving nature, her great compassion for others in need, and the legendary hospitality extended to those who would visit. Jonnie graduated from Catholic Central High School. Jonnie and John provided infant foster care for several years through the Catholic Service Bureau. She was employed as an executive secretary for many years at Michigan National Bank, from where many wonderful friendships started. After her retirement from the bank, she worked for Jacobson’s Department Store, where her keen fashion sense and outgoing nature made her “second career” as a sales consultant very enjoyable. Jonnie is probably best known as being an amazing cook, especially when it came to Syrian cooking. It was a labor of love. She enjoyed cooking, especially for those she loved. Jonnie is survived, and will be greatly missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Terri Hakeem; grandchildren, Andrea (Jack) Woller, Kelsey (Kendrick Cummings) Hakeem, and Lauren (Chuck) Marcusse; great-grandchildren Maddy and Lucy Woller, Cairo and Mosiah Cummings Hakeem, and Charlotte Rose Marcusse. Jonnie is also survived by sister-in-laws, Adele Wise and Sydney Zainea, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at O’Brien-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE on Wednesday, January 16 from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 6:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 1935 Plymouth SE, with Rev. Troy Nevins as celebrant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. A visiting hour will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The family would like to offer their heart-felt gratitude to the staff of Spectrum Hospice for their loving, compassionate care, and suggest a contribution in Jonnie’s memory to Spectrum Hospice, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in lieu of flowers.
