Van Rossum

Joni Marie Van Rossum, 81, of La Grange, entered into Eternal Rest on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:38 p.m. at St. David’s Hospital in Austin of coronary artery disease.

Joni was born on Dec. 2, 1940, in Baltimore, Md. the daughter of the late DeWitt and E. Marie Spencer.

She graduated high school in 1958 from the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore. In 1978, Joni received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Photography from the University of Texas in Austin. In 2002, she received her Master’s from the University of Maryland Graduate School of Social Work.

Joni had a true servant’s heart and devoted her entire life caring for those in need. She began her adult life as a missionary in Guatemala. She was a lifetime artist, certified chef, and licensed social worker, and worked many years as an addictions counselor.

Joni was a devout Catholic and raised her five children in the faith. In her spare time, Joni enjoyed the outdoors and instilled this love of adventure in her children. She loved taking trips to visit her grown children and beloved grandchildren.

Joni will be so deeply missed by her family and her dear friends. She is survived by her three sons: Willebrordus Sebastian Marie van Wisse, Jr. and wife, Karen of Arnold, MD; Antony Nicolas Van Wisse and wife, Jane Anne; and DeWitt Keith Thomas van Wisse and wife, Kristine, all of Austin; two daughters: Renée Van Wisse Hendley of Alexandria, Va.; and Gabrielle van Wisse Humphrey and husband, Frank of Peachtree City, Ga.; one brother: Richard Ronald Spencer and wife, Margaret Helen Spencer of Cub Hill, Md.; and eleven grandchildren: Kathryn, Austin, Ethan, Nathaniel, Ian, Claire, Luca, Erin, Cloey, Harrison, and Margaret. Joni was preceded in death

Joni was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Keith van Wisse; and son-in-law, Scott Hendley.

A Holy Rosary was recited prior to the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9 a.m. at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn. The Funeral Mass followed at 9:30 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. Felix Twumasi. Burial was at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Willebrordus Sebastian Marie van Wisse, Jr., Antony Nicolas van Wisse, DeWitt Keith Thomas van Wisse, and Hector Eduardo van Wisse.

Flowers are welcomed and may be sent to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. For those that would like to contribute, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to the Gardenia E Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Ln., La Grange, TX 78945 in honor of Joni Van Rossum.

Family and friends may view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.