Maureen Vandiver
September 6, 1923 - December 30, 2010
Maureen Vandiver
“Together Again”
Our sweet and decidedly independent mother passed away peacefully December 30, 2010. She was born September 6, 1923 and was raised in and around Bloomington, IL. She grew up as a farm girl and ultimately graduated from Trinity High School and Illinois State University. During WWII, Mom met Don Vandiver and they married in 1947. They lived most of their lives with three of their four children in Henry, IL. Mom educated students for nearly three decades at a variety of schools, including St. Mary’s Catholic School and Henry Grade School. Once retired, Mom and Dad moved to Ft. Myers and Lady Lake, Florida where they made many friends and golfed nearly every day. After Dad passed away, Mom chose Salt Lake City for her new home. She loved all sports and played golf regularly until her mobility wouldn’t allow it. The PGA and Phil Michelson have lost one of their most avid fans as she watched most tournaments on TV. She had her favorite professional and college teams which included the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Utah Jazz, and the Florida Gators. She was also very proud to have attended the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Mom truly loved spending time with her friends playing bridge nearly every week. She attended many plays and musicals with her friends at the Jordan Villas. She was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a particular fan of Father Jim McHugh. (It might be the Irish kindred spirit.) Mom loved to travel and be with friends and family even as she had more difficulty getting around. She always wanted to be included and was willing to take on any challenge.
Her loved ones include sons Martin E. Vandiver (Ann) and James G. Vandiver (Nancy) and daughter Mary G. Peters (Dave); seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Eleanor Moore, husband Don Vandiver, son John Michael Vandiver, brother Don Moore and grandson Matt Vandiver.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:00 am at St Patrick’s of Merna in Bloomington Illinois (where Mom & Dad were married), 1001 Towanda Barnes Road (Corner of Rt. 9 and Towanda Barnes Road).
A Salt Lake City Memorial Mass and celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider arranging a memorial in Maureen’s name to the National Shrine of St. Jude, care of the Claretian Missionaries – 205 West Monroe Street #7, Chicago, IL, 60606 or online at http://shrineofstjude.claretians.org.
In Loving Memory
My condolences to all of you at the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. My prayers will be with you as you adjust to not having your mother's physical presence with you. Laura
Laura Mattingly Jackson
Henry, IL
So sad to hear this news. Maureen was one of the greats: feisty, honest, intelligent, and very loving. She taught me that intelligence was a thing to be cherished and nurtured. I'll miss her.
Steve Moore
Austin, TX
I had the pleasure and honor of knowing your family well. Your father helped me with my banking needs, he sponsored me for membership in the Henry Rotary Club and he took seriously his Catholic faith. He gave good example as a member of the Knights of Columbus. I knew Marty in high school (he was a freshman when I was a senior), Jim worked in the pharmacy when he was in high school, (A darn good worker and a lot of fun to be around) And I wish I had known Mary better, she was just too young. I know that you would agee that the reason you are such an exceptional family is due to your mother and her good example and the support that she gave to Don and the three of you. May God bless her, and may God bless you. Charles Owens
Charles Owens
Henry, Il
Marty, we would like to offer our condolences on the passing of your mother. George and Irene Flynn
George R. Flynn
Bloomington, Il
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother. Your Mom and Dad were good friends and missed in Henry, Sorry I can't be with you today but you will all be in my prayers.
MARY ANNE CHILD
HENRY, il