Jane Elizabeth VanderVeen, 100
100 years well lived.
Jane, shown above on her 98th birthday, proudly turned 100 years old on September 26, 2021 which was celebrated with family at her residence in Lewes, Del. She passed away on December 3, 2021 with her daughters by her side.
Jane remained strong in spirit and body even as she began declining six months ago. Her fighting, positive spirit both defined her and served her well.
Jane was born in Manistee, Michigan to the late Robert and Virginia Wellman. We loved hearing her stories of growing up on Lake Michigan with her siblings. Jane met her late husband, Russell VanderVeen, while both were attending Michigan State University. Again, more stories we treasure of their romantic courtship. Dad's long career with General Foods/Kraft Foods involved relocations that Jane viewed as an adventure.
Mom never met a house she couldn't decorate beautifully. She had an innate talent for interior design. Our doors were always open to our friends who loved her style, cooking and nurturing and often thought of her as a second mom. Our homes were a gathering place. It's hard to remember time growing up with just siblings as we welcomed grandparents and extended family to live with us if needed.
Jane was an avid sports fan with college football, men's golf and tennis top of her list. She rooted for Michigan State University and University of Michigan - in that order - and loved the Big 10. Later in life, tiring of being a weekend golf widow, she tested her own ability on the course. It became a passion. Much of their time in Dover was spent at Maple Dale Country Club. She was a voracious reader, a good bridge player, loved difficult crossword puzzles right up to her passing, and tried never to miss Jeopardy.
For all who knew and loved her, Jane will be missed for her optimism, her inner strength when faced with life challenges, her fierce devotion to family, that quick wit and her attention to detail with her homes and self. She made a statement and had an impact on others. Jane was a woman of quiet faith who without fail watched daily mass and rosary on TV. As she aged, Jane pondered what God wanted her to do with her life. Our answer was to serve as our inspiration and hope.
In addition to her parents; Jane was predeceased by her husband, Russell VanderVeen (1995); sons, Patrick 2018 (Laurie) and David VanderVeen (2004); son-in-laws, Warren Price (2014) and Thomas Eichler (2020); and sisters, Mary Ann Brower and Barbara Turek; brother, Robert Wellman.
Survivors include daughters, Linda Price of Wellington, Florida and Lewes, and Katrina Eichler of Lewes; sister, Priscilla Rulison of Manistee, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Laurie VanderVeen of Havertown, Pa.; grandchildren, Todd Fisher (Nikky) of Lewes, Dr. Harper Price of Phoenix, Ariz., Sasha Price of Wellington, Fla., Gavin Furlong (Dawnyel) of Lewes, Logan Ashley Furlong (Steve) of Lewes, Martin McIsaac (Emily) of Milford, Elizabeth VanderVeen Benson (Jon) of Frederick, Md., and Russell VanderVeen of Baltimore, Md.
Services and burial will be private at a later date.
Special appreciation to all the staff members at Delaware Hospice for guiding us compassionately during Jane's last month.
Memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes, Lewes, Delaware.
Please visit Jane's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com