Joan Van Vlaenderen

Joan Van Vlaenderen, aged 98, was lifted into the Arms of her Lord and Savior the morning of March 27th. She passed peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Venice, FL. Born in Maple Grove, MI May 2, 1921 Joan attended Maple Grove St. Michaels Elementary and High Schools. Upon graduation she enrolled in and attended St. Mary's Nursing School in Saginaw, MI where she Graduated in 1943 as a Registered Nurse. Shortly thereafter Joan enlisted in the United States Army Nursing Corps where she attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Joan was instrumental in establishing the stateside U.S. Army Hospital at Camp Ellis, IL where she met and married her lifelong partner and love of her life Van. After the War Joan and Van settled in Saginaw where she continued her beloved practice of nursing as well as raising her ever growing family. Joan was engaged in many charitable and volunteer organizations in Saginaw including serving as President of The St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary where she administered and maintained the Gift Shop, several Parent-Teacher Associations, the St. Stephen Catholic Church Altar Society and the Christian Family Movement. She also had a love of the outdoors which she nurtured by weekly ski trips to Northern Michigan, summer weeks at the family cottage in Northern Michigan, and an occasional run to Aspen, CO. She was always known for her green thumb and her prized tomatoes. Her yard was always the envy of the block! After retiring to Venice, FL in 1982 Joan continued to maintain a very active lifestyle. In addition to working as a volunteer at the then Venice Hospital, she volunteered at the American Cancer Society and served for many years as Chair of the Social and Landscaping Committees at Gulf Shores Condominium. Her favorite activities also included playing (and usually winning) at several Bridge Clubs and golfing, with Memberships at both Waterford and Mission Valley Country Clubs. Joan also maintained an active social life, entertaining with Van at their homes in Venice and summer home in Saginaw, MI. Joan will be remembered as an Angel on earth by everyone who had the good fortune to touch her life. Predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Joan is survived by her daughter Diane Kretschmer of Sequim, WA, son Jan Van Vlaenderen (Diane) of Mill Valley, CA, son Randall Van Vlaenderen (Karin) of Sarasota, FL and daughter Sandy Burdick (Steve) also of Sequim, WA. Grandchildren include Matthew Kretschmer (Tanya Thigpen) of Ypsilanti, MI, Mark Kretschmer (Leah) of Beaverton, OR, Jena DuPont (Dustin) of Centennial, CO, Adam Van Vlaenderen of Denver, CO, Andrew Burdick (Rebecca Ulrich) of Novato, CA and Jordan Burdick of San Diego, CA. In addition, Joan was also blessed with six Great-Grandchildren: Ryan, twins Cal and Davis, Lillian, Vada, and Ava. Services will be coordinated by Farley Funeral Home in Venice. A Catholic Funeral Mass and Celebration will be held at Epiphany Cathedral at a date to be determined followed by Inurnment in a private ceremony at Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice or the Ascension St. Mary's Nurses Alumni Association, c/o SMH Nurses Alumni, 4290 Jonquil Drive, Saginaw, MI 48603. To share condolences or memories please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.