Julia Ann VandeZande

Julia Ann VandeZande, 88, passed away in Hamilton Grove Nursing Facility on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Julia was born on January 29, 1935 in South Bend, to the late John and Mary Monhaut.  On September 8, 1951, she married her loving husband, Ronald VandeZande, he preceded her in death in 2002. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John and sisters, Pauline and Alice.

Left to cherish the memory of Julia are her children, Daniel (Carol) VandeZande, Sr., James (Loretta) VandeZande, Debra (John) Nowacki, and Rhonda (David) Bennett; 6 grandchildren; Danny (Missy) VandeZande, Jr., Jason (Beth) VandeZande, Corey (Amy) Dill, Justin (Angie) Pendilla, Dylan (Kristine) Pendilla, and Olivia (Isauro) VandeZande; 5 great-grandchildren and another on the way; her loving companion, Phil Vanderburg; sister, Eleanor Freehauf; and many nieces and nephews.

Julia worked for the SBSC as a School Bus Driver. After retiring, she loved spending time with her husband and family at their cabin in Bitely, MI. They enjoyed fishing, boating, riding 4 wheelers and dirt bikes, and traveling to Florida and Arizona. In her younger years, she loved being outdoors caring for the farm with her brother, John. She preferred outdoor chores over house chores. Julia stayed active throughout her life, from gymnastics to dancing, and continued her love of dance with her longtime companion, Phil Vanderburg. Euchre and dominos were some of her favorite games. Julia’s amazing personality made her the favorite aunt of the family. She loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren.

A special thank you to the Center for Hospice Care and the staff of Hamilton Grove, especially the nurses, for their exceptional care and compassion provided to Julia.

Visitation will be 4:00PM-7:00PM with a service beginning at 7:00PM on Monday, April 17, 2023 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, Mayflower Rd.  Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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