Doris VanDamme

Resided in Delta County, MI
Died September 20, 2017

Doris VanDamme, 84, loving mother and active community member, passed away on September 20, 2017.

Doris Mae Geniesse was born on March 5, 1933, in Menominee, Michigan, to John B. Geniesse and Celina (Vandermissen), the 7th of 11 children.

She married Valere VanDamme on November 12, 1955. They raised their family in St. Nicholas, farming potatoes and milking cows for the first ten years, then continuing with just potatoes. Doris enjoyed summer vacations and camping with family and friends. In 1986 they took a road trip around the United States.

Doris had a long history of helping others, starting in the 1950s by working at Pinecrest TB Sanitarium in Powers. When she married she was active at St. Joseph’s Church in Perkins, the 4-H club, American Legion Auxiliary, school functions and fundraisers. She was a leader in “Teens Encounter Christ” giving support to teenagers as they strengthen their faith. After she moved to Escanaba, she joined St. Thomas/St Anthony Church and continued to assist others. She spent time volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul store, the Red Cross, OSF Bay de Noc Hospice and the “No One Dies Alone” program. Her favorite position was at OSF St. Francis Hospital in the surgical waiting area, the gift shop or at the front desk. She logged in over 20,000 hours as a volunteer at OSF.

Doris also enjoyed keeping busy with her many hobbies: sewing, crocheting, knitting, decorative plates, and painting. She has donated many of her paintings to raffles and given others to family members. She was proud to have visited all 50 states, numerous countries in Europe and the Caribbean. Doris visited all of her children in their various homes in different states.

Survivors include her five children:
Shirley (Alana Klumpp) VanDamme of Reno, NV, Elaine VanDamme of CT, Andrew (Maria) VanDamme of San Diego, CA, Joyce VanDamme of Greensboro, NC, Brenda (Kevin Ford) VanDamme of Woodstock, CT.
Her grandchildren Michael (Kim) Batti of Kingsford, MI and Valerie Zeala Charlotte VanDamme of San Diego, CA and her great grandchildren, Ethan, Carson, Kingston, and Kalli also from Kingsford, MI.

Her surviving brothers are Kenneth Geniesse of Sussex, WI and Anthony (Chayo) Geniesse of El Paso, TX. Doris has numerous beloved nieces and nephews and cousins.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Valere, her parents, her siblings: Francis Geniesse, John Geniesse, Bernard Geniesse, Theresa Lippens, Ann Funk, Bernice Schahczinski, Gerard Geniesse, Raymond Geniesse.

Doris’ family will receive family and friends on Saturday October 7, 2017, from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial Services will follow visiting hours, at 3:00PM on Saturday, at St. Joseph Church in Perkins, with Rev. Fr. Larry VanDamme officiating. Luncheon will follow mass in the St. Joseph Church Parish Hall. Doris will be laid to rest on Sunday, at 10:00AM, at Perkins Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed to St. Francis Hospital, OSF Memorial Fund or the Victory for Veterans Organization.

http://victoryforveterans.org/DonationDedication/

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. The family would like to thank Circle of Life Hospice and Heidi Caban in Reno, NV for assisting in Doris’ care.

10 Tributes for “Doris VanDamme

    Aunt Doris was the 1st aunt I met when I was adopted by Jerry and Dorothy Vandamme she really made me feel like family she was such a sweet amazing caring person you will be missed by all

    God welcomes you home, Doris. I remember your kindness always. Elaine is my soul sister. I cherish every memory I had at your house. I love you.

    She showed me what love meant to my father, her little brother when he had lung cancer in 1990. She showed me how to cook things, simpler, and they were better. I’ll always have her with me.

    Enjoyed working at St. Francis Hospital her so much.
    You kept us on our toes, Doris.
    What a Super Volunteer!

    God bless her as we went to the same catholic church in perkins and we also spoke from time to time at OSF where she volunteered herself to help others. She was a kind gentle soul. May the perpetual light shine upon her and may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God..rest in peace. My condolences to her family.

    Aunt Doris was a very kind sweet lady. I spent many wonderful times with Aunt Doris and Uncle Valere camping and just staying at their home. I know the Lord has a very special place for her.

    I called her Auntie Doris. She was always good to me. RIP and to the family…you are in my prayers

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