- Was an extraordinary woman and on July 24, 2016, after 87 years of living a blessed life, said goodbye to this world. She was born March 29, 1929.
On August 18, 1951 she married James Van Stralen. They started their life together in Appleton, WI where they lived and raised six children. They moved to Spokane Valley, WA in the early 90s where she became very active at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church. She was a mainstay in the choir as well as numerous church functions. She also volunteered at the Valley Hospital in Spokane Valley, just recently obtaining a 5,000 hour volunteer certificate of which she was very proud. Her passions were crafting, luncheons with her lady friends, her church activities and volunteering. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter and quilter. Between everyone in her family, they own many potholders, sweaters, scarves, hats and baby afghans. Affectionately, she never missed a date or occasion for sending cards and letters.
She leaves behind her husband Jim, sons Jim and Judy Van Stralen, Stuart and Sandi Van Stralen, and daughters Kay Woodworth, Ann Johnson and Lois Meyer and her brother Dellas and Beverly Vandenberg. She has 12 grandchildren: Kari, Christopher, Eric, Paul, Joe, Tessa, Heather, Holly, Jessica, Dylan, Jake and Evelyn and five great-grandchildren: Lily, Liam, CJ, Olivia and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her son, Russell Van Stralen, her parents Joseph and Laura Vandenberg and a brother, Jimmie Vandenberg.
Special friends she wanted to appreciate are Ruby and Dan Casey, Kay and Carlie Schwebs, her cousin Dolores Holmes, Arleen Sprague, her special friend from church, Mary Beth and Glenn Jenson from Stiles, WI, and her cousin Lynn Bishop from Minnesota.
Mom, you were loved and will be missed. Special kiss from Dad.
The Mass and reception will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 503 North Walnut Rd., Spokane Valley, WA. A memorial in her honor has been established with Catholic Charities of Spokane.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on July 31, 2016
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1929 - 2016 (87 years)
Obituary
