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Subject: [OHROOTS] Aileen VAN ATTA (1916-2003) (obit.)
Date: 30 Oct 2003 11:30:25 -0700
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: VAN ATTA, SUEVER, BAUDEN, FRANCIS, WEST
Classification: Obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/mZB.2ACI/5044
Message Board Post:
Aileen Van Atta
Aileen Van Atta, born in Ohio on Dec. 30, 1916, was a long time resident of Woodland, Ca.
Aileen selected the lovely town of Woodland, Ca. to raise her five children. Initially employed by Stanley Home Products, her terrific personality was well suited for the in home parties. From there she went to the Yolo County Welfare Department where she was employed as a social worker and retired after 20 years of service.
While in Woodland, Aileen was chairman of many committees and held all of the offices in Young Ladies Institute. Her incredible wit and humor kept her busy in this organization. She was often requested to be Mistress of Ceremonies for various functions and fashion shows. Aileen's theatrics often resulted in finding her picture on the social pages of the Daily Democrat.
After retirement Aileen and her two daughters opened a quilt and gift shop in Half Moon Bay, Ca. where she took up residence. While there she was an active member of the Coast Side Newcomers Club, serving on the board as well as holding a position on the board of directors for the Half Moon Bay Coast Side Chamber of Commerce. Her great personality brought many new members into the Chamber. She later moved to Pacifica, Ca. During her six years there Aileen continued to be an active member of the community. She held offices on the board of directors for Beta Sigma Phi and participated in the American Legion Auxiliary.
Woodland's beauty and life long friendships called her back. Upon her return, Aileen started a Bible Study Group. Soon the attendance made her little apartment burst at the seams. She later formed another group called WOW (Women of Welfare) whose members were all previously employed by the Department of Welfare. Aileen also formed The Cheerful Givers, a group that met once a month to share not only their friendship and lunch, but also collected money and anonymously donated those funds to many local organizations. A great humanitarian, Aileen loved giving to Heifer International. This organization helps impoverished families worldwide become more self-reliant through the gift of livestock so that they may provide for themselves, their children and their communities.
Aileen shed her earthly body on Oct. 25, 2003. She has earned her wings and is undoubtedly flying free with all the other angels. She will be remembered for her tenacious card playing, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, her compassion and her genuine kindness to all people. She will be dearly missed.
Aileen is survived by her sister Rosemary Suever of Delphos, Ohio. She will be missed by her loving and devoted children Michael Van Atta of Golden, Colo., Ann Bauden of Pacifica, Ca., Patty Van Atta Francis of Philomont, Va., David Van Atta and Stephen Van Atta, of Woodland, Ca. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Michael West of Pacifica, Ca., Erin Van Atta of York, Pa., Megan Van Atta of Stewartstown, Pa., Sean Van Atta, Matthew Van Atta, Miranda Van Atta, David Van Atta Jr. and Annamarie Van Atta, all of Woodland, Ca.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Woodland on Thursday, Oct. 30 at noon.
Aileen requested her ashes be spread over the ocean near Dillon's Beach, Ca.
In lieu of flowers Aileen requested donations be made to Heifer International (800) 422-0474, or http://www.heifer.org; and or the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center, 927 Main Street, Woodland 95776 (530) 661-6336.
Kraft Bros. of Woodland is assisting the family with the arrangements, www.legacy.com.
(A photograph of Mrs. Van Atta is included with this obituary.)
(Obituary from the Woodland "Daily Democrat," Wednesday, October 29, 2003, (Woodland, Yolo County, California). Submitted with the permission of the "The Daily Democrat," 711 Main St., Woodland, CA 95695. <http://www.dailydemocrat.com/>; Please note: I am not related to the family listed above, and I do not have any further information on this family.)
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