Lois Jean 'Chris' VanDenBerghe
September 26, 1925 ~ September 8, 2019
Resided in:
Greece, NY
Lois Jean “Chris” VanDenBerghe
September 26, 1925 - September 8, 2019
Lois Jean “Chris” VanDenBerghe, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and good friend passed away peacefully September 8, 2019. Chris was born on September 26, 1925 to John and Hazel Cross in Pueblo, Colorado. She loved the mountains, especially Pikes Peak, which she could see from her bedroom window while growing up. She graduated from University of Colorado and went on to perform research in genetics at the University of Pennsylvania. She pursued a master’s degree in genetics at the University of Wisconsin where she met the love of her life, John VanDenBerghe. Chris and John were married June 12, 1950 in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married for fifty seven wonderful years and together they raised nine children (5 daughters and 4 sons).
Chris moved with her husband and their first born (Deirdre) to Rochester, NY in January of 1952 where John worked as a chemist for Eastman Kodak. While raising her children, Chris, bright and well written, was a part-time reporter for the Greece Post. Chris was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served with an open heart in various responsibilities. She worked with the women of the church and carried her spirit of serving, loving and giving with her throughout her entire life. In retirement, Chris and John served in the Washington D.C., Toronto, and Palmyra Temples of their church. They also served as missionaries in Dublin, Ireland. Chris’ happiest moments were those times spent with family. She loved being involved in the lives of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid lover of tennis, which she played throughout her life.
Chris was preceded in death by her husband, John, and her brother, Robert Cross. She is survived by her children, Deirdre (Robert) Bachman of Highlands Ranch, CO, Michael (Deborah) VanDenBerghe of West Jordan, UT, Blaine (Kaye) VanDenBerghe of Johnstown, CO, Robin (Jim) Forsberg of Springfield, MA, Reed (Amy) VanDenBerghe of Ronceverte, WV, Claire VanDenBerghe of East Syracuse, NY, Amy (David) Odiorne of Ashburn, VA, Kyle (Lee) VanDenBerghe of Rochester, NY, Nona (Byron) Holdiman of Quincy, IL; 30 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Chris will be greatly missed by her family and all those who were touched by her compassion, love, and friendship.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1250 English Rd, Rochester, NY 14616 where her Funeral Service will follow at 10:30 AM. Private entombment, Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/. For more information and to sign her online guestbook visit www.meesonfamily.com
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Hi VanDenBerghes
I don’t know if you remember Sprague’s. I remember your amazing parents. I remember your mom being very involved in Mutual YM/YW. She would coach our basketball. I remember the Blaine a little and Reed a little, Claire, Amy, Kyle and Nona.
We moved to Colorado in 1978 but did not realize your families connection with Colorado. I am here in Centennial (not too far from Highlands Ranch).
Prayers for your family. I had been able to go to a Rochester, NY reunion near Provo quite a few years back and had been able to catch up with Yerkes, Toners and quite a few others.
Your mom touched so many people and was always kind and happy.
My Mother and Chris were close friends from the time she and John moved Rochester….My brothers and sister and I grew up with the VanDenBerghe kids.
I have fond memories too, of working with Chris in Relief Society as a Counselor to her as she served as Ward Relief Society President. She always had the sweetest smile when meeting, greeting or when she was involved in something important. My thoughts and prayers go out to the VanDenBerghe Family.
Sending lots of love to the VDB family. Although it has been decades since I have seen many of you, the fun memories remain. Your mom was such a cheerful and loving person. ❤❤❤
To the whole Van Den Berghe Family whom I love so very much . My heart goes out to all of you for you loss of precious person . So very blessed to have known your mother , grandmother. I loved your mother she was very nice to me , and I enjoyed talking with her over the years . I will be keeping all of you in my prayers .
To the whole family! May you find peace and comfort knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers!So many memories flood my mind when I think of your family. From rides to church, to visits to your home on Tanglewood Dr to visits to our home and being some of the only members of the church in our schools. Your mother and father ministered to our family as true disciples of Jesus Christ. I always felt a part of your family. Sending HUGS and Love!