Hendrica Sisk
Dr. Hendrica Sisk (née Groot) passed away on June 30 at the age of 72 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Douglas Sisk; daughters Daena (Sam) Rogowski and Jessica Sisk; grandson Joseph Rogowski; and younger siblings John Groot, Cathy Strole, Mary (Bill) Quig, Hank (Jeannine) Groot, and Richard Groot.
Hendrica was born in Watervliet, MI, on July 8, 1952. She was raised in Mishawaka, IN, and graduated from Marian High School in 1970. She went on to attend Indiana University and earned her medical degree from the IU School of Medicine in 1977. Following medical school, she completed an internship and residency in pediatrics at Georgetown Medical Center, and later pursued a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
In 1986, Dr. Sisk began her private practice with Michiana Pediatrics and later joined the South Bend Clinic, where she continued to serve patients with dedication and compassion until her retirement in 2017. After retiring, she relocated to Santa Barbara, California, with her husband.
Dr. Sisk was deeply loved and respected by her family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Known for her thoughtfulness, intelligence, and gentle care, she left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her patients appreciated her so deeply that some were reluctant to leave, even as they aged out of pediatric care.
Outside of medicine, she found joy in tending to her garden and houseplants, reading avidly, and traveling. She also had a deep appreciation for the arts, holding a season pass to the Lyric Opera in Chicago and proudly attending Daena’s stage performances in Valparaiso. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the hospice facility of VNA Health Santa Barbara, called Serenity House. Donations can be made through their website: https://vna.health/services/serenity-house
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Northwest Indiana. Please contact Doug at douglasraysisk@gmail.com if you wish to be sent details.
