Submitted by Dan Rich
Madeline M. VanVooren
Oct. 30, 1912 - May 22, 2005
Madeline M. VanVooren, 92, of
Mishawaka, passed away Sunday morning, May 22, 2005, in her home.
Madeline was born October 30, 1912, in Mishawaka, a daughter of
the late Camiel and Florence (DeMetz) Fontayne. She
grew up in Mishawaka and made the community her lifelong home.
In August 1929, Madeline married Alphons
"Fibber" VanVooren. He preceded her in death in 1980.
Madeline was an old-fashioned homemaker. She was an excellent
cook who was particularly known for her wonderful homemade bread.
Madeline prepared many a meal for large groups in her home.
Rabbit and pheasant were among her specialties at those dinners.
For many years she had a large vegetable garden and did
considerable canning. Madeline was a quiet, private person and
her family was the center of her life. She attended St. Bavo
Catholic Church in Mishawaka. Madeline's surviving family
includes her four children, Mary Ann (Ray) DeCloedt of
Mishawaka, Alfrieda (Don) Dewaelsche of New Haven, Elaine
(Ron) Kinch of Mishawaka and Ray (Donna) VanVooren of
Edwardsburg; 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and eight
great-great-grandchildren. Besides her parents and her husband,
she was preceded in death by her sister, Thelma Ganser;
her brother, Marcel Fontayne; and a grandchild.
Private services for the family will be held
at a later date. There is no public visitation. The family
suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of St. Joseph
County. Madeline's family is being served by Thallemer, Goethals
& Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka.