Nancy Barbour Vandervelde

Nancy Barbour Vandervelde, age 90, was called home on Feb. 2nd, surrounded by her family and the loving staff of the Barrett House in Markesan. She was born on November 16th 1918 in Janesville, Wis. to Harris and Bessie Drew Barbour. The family moved in 1921 to Ripon, Wis. where Nancy grew up. She attended Wheaton College, the University of Wisconsin, and graduated from Ripon College in 1941. On August 9th 1943 she married Lawrence Martin Vandervelde. They took up residence in Dayton, Ohio and Fond du Lac, Wis. before moving to Green Lake in 1952.

Nancy was an active and involved member of the community, serving on numerous church and school committees. She was a camp counselor at Camp Robinhood and later used those skills as a girl scout leader, mentoring young girls for many years. She was a member of the Green Lake Federated Church, Ripon Educational Club, Dartford Educational Club, Green Lake Yacht Club, and was on the board of directors of the Green Lake Festival of Music.

Her great love of music found expression in countless ways: directing hand bell choirs, singing in church choirs, attending concerts, and organizing & directing musicals at their winter location in Naples, Florida. She especially loved entertaining; hosting many wonderful gatherings on the shore of Green Lake and at their home in the country.

Nancy will be remembered best for her bright, positive personality, for her loving and supportive spirit, and for her perseverance in spite of the many challenges she faced in her later years. Her deep faith was a defining characteristic of her life and served as an inspiration to all who came to know and love her.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lawrence Vandervelde, three children; Susan (Jim) Krueger, Peter (Nancy) Vandervelde, and Janika (Larry Fuchsberg) Vandervelde, five grandchildren; Drew, Nick and Marten Vandervelde, Tracy Radenz, and Amy Kobs, as well as two great grandchildren; Jack and Sam Radenz. Also surviving is Nancy’s brother James Barbour of Green Lake and a sister, Jane Lockwood of Keene, New Hampshire.

Friends may call on the family at the Federated Church of Green Lake on Saturday, February 7th, between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. A service of celebration will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Federated Church of Green Lake or the Green Lake Festival of Music.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com