Linda M. Leeds Vande Ven

Linda Marie Leeds Vande Ven, 61, of Plainfield, Ill,, formerly of Lincolnshire, Ill., and Chinook, Mont., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2010, at Alden of Waterford, Aurora, Ill. She was born Nov. 8, 1948, in Havre, Mont.

She was the devoted wife of the late John E. Vande Ven, whom she married Jan. 30, 1970; beloved mother of Karen (Mark) Banas of Plainfield, and Adam Vande Ven of Omaha, Neb .; adoring Nana to Kyle Edward and Eric Jonathan Banas; loving daughter of the late Robert and Lucia Leeds; dear sister of Robert (Joan) Leeds, Joan (Tom) Burns, Carol (Steven) Harvey and Patrick (Mary) Leeds; fond aunt of many loved nieces and nephews.

Linda was raised in Chinook and was the member of the Class of 1966 at Chinook High School. She studied French at Gonzaga University, the University of Montana and finished her studies abroad in Avignon, France. Linda was an accomplished pianist, enjoyed classical music, singing, needlework, and movies. She embraced everyday of life and taught others to do the same.

Everyone who knew her, thought the world of her. She will be so dearly missed, but her legacy of unconditional love and strength continues through her grandchildren, to whom she was the most wonderful Nana.

A double memorial Mass for Linda and her late husband, John, will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m., at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 152 8th St., Chinook, Mont.,

(406) 357-2073.

Burial of Linda and her late husband's cremains will follow at Kuper Memorial Cemetery, Chinook.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, 525 West Monroe St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661.

Arrangements are by Overman-Jones Funeral Home, Plainfield, Ill. For information, call (815) 436-9221, or visit http://www.overman-jones.com. Montana arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home, Chinook. For more information, call (406)357-2529.