LaVonne T. Van Orden

I was a student at the BYU Jerusalem Center when the Van Ordens were there. Also Sister Van Orden´s sister, Joan Stevens, and her husband were there the same semester. Sister Van Orden did not need to do this, it was way beyond her job description, but she connected me with an Armenian woman in the Jerusalem branch who was a concert pianist, and arranged for me and one other student to have lessons from her while we were there. I am a pianist and that was an incredible opportunity for me. Sister Van Orden also arranged for the students to put on an evening of music for the community, and supported us all in preparing our numbers. That was the best performance of my life. I think she prayed angels to be there and help me. I had such an unexpectedly positive experience with music that semester thanks to her.

Also, I ran into Sister Van Orden twice after our study abroad. Once she was at Costco buying a meal for her sister. Another time I was caroling at Christmastime at a care center, and she was there visiting a friend. Every interaction I had with her she was out doing good. I appreciate her example of proactive goodness and of making a difference in her spheres of influence. She will be missed in this world.
Desirée Harrison Funk