Nancy Lee Van Dam

VAN DAM, Nancy Lee
of Schoolcraft
Nancy Lee Van Dam went to be with her Lord, Monday evening April 6, 2009. She passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, her vibrant, love-filled life shortened by breast cancer. Nancy was born March 6, 1949, in South Haven, Michigan, the daughter of Bernard J. and Priscilla Kerr Lee. A resident of the Kalamazoo area most of her life, she was a graduate of Portage Northern High School and received her Masters Degree in early childhood education from Western Michigan University. For 22 years she taught early elementary education, 6 years with Schoolcraft Public Schools and after raising her family, 16 years with Portage Public Schools. The core of Nancy's life was her family: her husband, Dave, who was her high school crush, college sweetheart, and dearest companion; her cherished children, sons Chad and Matt, and daughter-in-law, Heidi; and her grandson, Jack, her sweet pea the light of her life with whom she shared her love of books, her love of learning, and love of nature whether it be through their walks together on the nature trails behind her home or wading together into Lake Michigan waves on the beach at her beloved Grand Haven cottage. Nancy was a creative woman who enjoyed crafting, sewing, and quilting. She was a member of the Log Cabin Quilting Club where she recently served as librarian. She loved to shop for the perfect colorful material needed for her next quilting project. Nancy's life was as rich and bright as the fabric she stitched into her quilts. She enjoyed spending her time outdoors cultivating a garden in the spring, kayaking in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Nancy loved her friends, and she had many. She looked forward to the times she shared with them including a yearly weekend skiing trip, watching Katharine Hepburn films, and monthly gatherings of her card club. Nancy was grateful for her friend's love and support, especially during the past year. She was deeply touched by the efforts her friends and family made last spring in supporting her in the fight against breast cancer. Fifty-three friends and family formed a team to participate in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure. The team named "Nancy's Friends" raised over $5, 700, winning the title of "Most Money Collected by a New Team." Nancy taught and touched those who loved her through her strength in her weakest hours, her humor in darkest times, and her trusting peace when her friends and family needed it most. Nancy was a longtime active member of Southridge Reformed Church. On July 26, 1969, Nancy and David Van Dam were united in marriage at Southridge Reformed Church. Surviving are her husband, David Van Dam of Schoolcraft; her two sons, Chad Van Dam of Portage and Matthew Heidi Van Dam of Kalamazoo; her grandson Jack Van Dam; three brothers, Fred Jan Lee, Bernard J. Jr. and James LuAnn Lee; parents-in-law, Harvey and Eleanor Van Dam; a sister-in-law, Carole Richard Tompkins; several nieces and nephews and many special friends that have been there to support her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard J. Lee and Priscilla Lee Batson. A service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held 12:00 PM Tuesday at the Southridge Reformed Church 6726 Texas Drive with Pastor Becky Ringler officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street and at the church on Tuesday from 11:00AM until service time. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Nancy's memory may be directed to Southridge Reformed Church Parish Nurse Program, West Michigan Cancer Center or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com for online guestbook or leaving a condolence for the family.