MANASSAS, Virginia
Thomas Steve
Vander Woude
Thomas Steve Vander Woude, passed away September 8, 2008.
He was born April 24, 1942 in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was the son of William and Gwen Vander Woude, his sisters and brothers are Jim and Bill Vander Woude and Mary (Vander Woude) Oehlke.
On December 26, 1964 he married Mary Ellen Earley. Mr. Vander Woude was a dedicat-ed father and husband. Thomas and Mary Ellen raised seven sons,Tom, Steve, Dan, Bob, Chris, Pat and Joseph.
He dedicated 17 years of service to his country as a pilot in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired in 2002 after twenty-six years as a commercial airline pilot. He coached all his sons in basketball of various levels, including elemenntary, high school, and college. From 2002 to 2007, he worked as Athletic Director/Coach at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. He was a dedicated supporter/coach of Seton High School. A man of God imbued with his Catholic Faith, He served with his wife Mary Ellen as sacristans of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Gainesville, from 2001 to the present.
Thomas was a loving and selfless husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, his seven sons and five daughters-in-law, Father Thomas P. Vander Woude, Steven and Erin Vander Woude, Dan and Maryan Vander Woude, Bob and Melissa Vander Woude, Chris and Katy Vander Woude, Pat and Jill Vander Woude, and Joseph Vander Woude, and twenty-four grand-children, Mary Kate, Tim, Bridget, Maggie, Tommy, Annie, Jack, Nick, Lilly, Johanna, Monica, Dominic, Daniel, Maria, Elena, Sean, Brendan, Joseph, Joshua, John Paul, Bobby, Michael, Luke and Philip.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 10 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, Va. where mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made in Memory of Tom Vander Woude, for his wife, Mary Ellen and son, Joseph for their future expenses.
This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).
In memory of Thomas Steven Vander Woude
A true and faithful man who gave his life saving his son on September 8, 2008 in this location.
God alone understands.
Dear Vander Woude's family,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless him and his family. A true hero! Best wishes. We wish him well.
Vasili Glimidakis
November 02, 2008
Mary Ellen & Family. Tom's death was announced at St. Joseph's services today and we were so saddened. Your entire family played a key role in our lives at St. Joseph's Church and School and you have definitely remained in our hearts. Tom is indeed an inspiration and we know how much your family will miss him. We send much love from Georgia
Betty & Bill Mackey
October 05, 2008 | Kennesaw, GA
Dear Mary Ellen and all the members of the Vander Woude family: I was so very moved at the Funeral yesterday with the tremendous outpouring of love and respect so many people have for Thomas. You and Tom have such a beautiful family that is truly the model for all of us in this country and really around the world. Mr. Thomas Vander Woude's life is so impressive; he not only loved Christ but he also lived his life the way Christ would live. There is no doubt Thomas is in heaven doing...
Joseph Lynem
September 16, 2008 | Alexandria, VA
My condolences to the whole family. I graduated from Franciscan University with Bob. Be sure of my prayers.
Clayton Emmer
September 16, 2008 | Los Angeles, CA
We are sorry for your devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that your overwhelming family bond and love has touched our hearts. The Lord truly has another Angel in heaven.
ER Nurses
September 15, 2008 | Manassas, VA
Dear Mary Ellen, you and Tom were our NFP teaching couple 31 years ago in Atlanta. As a couple, you were an inspiration to us in many ways. We are so sorry to hear of Tom's heroic death. You and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Iris & Jim McCoy
September 14, 2008 | Atlanta, GA
I can't imagine the heartache you are feeling at this time. I also can't imagine what it must feel like to know you were actually married to a TRUE HERO. He made the ultimate sacrifice just like our Lord made. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that of all people God WILL TAKE CARE of him now. Bless you all.
Beth Finzel
September 14, 2008 | Manassas, VA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Glenna and Dan Ohlms
Glenna Ohlms
September 13, 2008 | Nokesville, VA
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Remember Mr. Vanderwoude is just asleep. he knows he will always be in your heart and prayers and will be in heaven waiting for us all.
Gwen Anthony
September 12, 2008 | Manassas, VA
