Published: Feb. 19, 2014
The Sparrow Women's Board of Managers and Sparrow Hospital Volunteer Services Department have named Maureen Dykstra the February Volunteer of the Month.
Dykstra was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but became a permanent Michigander when she decided to attend Michigan State University where she received both her degree in elementary education and met her future husband Douglas Dykstra. After teaching elementary school for several years, Dykstra returned to MSU for her Masters in Science Education. When she retired in 2010 she left the Potterville Middle School as a full time science teacher. Her husband continues to work at Auto Owners Insurance Company.
Upon retirement, Dykstra attended a Sparrow volunteer recruitment event at the Westside Y, liked what she heard, signed up and began volunteering in the Surgical Lounge at the St. Lawrence campus two weeks later.
Her fellow volunteers describe Dykstra as always willing to give extra help anytime, anywhere assistance is needed. She is described and extremely responsible and always looks upon her volunteering with a positive attitude. Dykstra presently serves a Surgical Lounge treasurer and has done an outstanding job of record keeping and attention to detail. She is regarded as a valued member in committee meetings for her willingness to offer suggestions focused on problem solving and moving the group forward.
When not at Sparrow, Dykstra serves as a Deacon at Delta Presbyterian Church and volunteers at Potterville elementary and high school.
Dykstra and her husband have two daughters and two grandchildren and are expecting another grandchild in the spring.
Maureen loves meeting new people which makes her the perfect fit for taking care of the families of Sparrow patients in the surgical lounge. Her kindness and care clearly help the families relax as they wait.