This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: VANALLEN, MORRIS, ROGERS, WARE Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22696/mb.ashx Message Board Post: VAN ALLEN, Joanne B. Of Venice, FL Passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 16, 2008. She was 84. Born in Columbus, Ohio on September 22, 1923, Joanne served in the Navy during WWII as a pharmacist's mate. In 1947, she married William D. Van Allen, from Zanesville, OH. They moved to Kalamazoo in 1965, where they were long-time members of First United Methodist Church and Joanne worked ten years as a media clerk for the Kalamazoo Public Schools. She was an avid genealogist and family historian. They retired to Rotonda West, FL, in 1985. For the last three years, she delighted others at her assisted living facility and dialysis center with her humor, and her joy at just being alive. She was predeceased by an infant child, Greta, in 1949, her two brothers and sister, her husband, Bill Sr., who passed in 1998, and a son, Piet F., who passed tragically in San Jose, CA, two days before her. Surviving are children, William D. Jr. of Sarasota, FL, Susan K. Morris (William), of Albany, NY, and Marcia Jo R! ogers (Richard), of Vicksburg, MI.; a cousin, Jean Ware; step-grandchildren Jason, Kaycee, John, Mark and Ben; step-great-grandchildren Gage, Jack, Emma, Joshua and Molly, and many nieces and nephews who adored her. Joanne was well-known and loved for her effervescent optimism, which she freely shared. She was happiest when assisting others. Joanne truly lived the Golden Rule. A memorial service will be held on April 29, 2008 at Trinity Presbyterian Church of South Venice, where she was a longtime member. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, FUMC of Kalamazoo, or to Kalamazoo Oratorio Society. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 4/28/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.