Claire B. Vandertuin

MIDDLEBURY - Claire B. Vandertuin, 87, died peacefully November 17, 2013, at EastView in Middlebury.

She was born January 26, 1926, in Salem, Massachusetts, the oldest daughter of Clement and Theresa Bolles.

She graduated from Ipswich High School in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and attended Bridgewater State Teachers College in Massachusetts.

In 1946, she married John Vandertuin. They raised a family living in Rochester, New York, while John pursued an engineering career at Eastman Kodak. After John became a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, the family moved to various places in New York state. They retired to the coast of Maine (Tenants Harbor), and moved to Middlebury, VT, in 1993.

Claire enjoyed teaching Sunday School and participating in all facets of her husband's ministry. She also loved to read, bake, go to cultural events, hike and go boating with her family, and keep a journal. She spent many hours writing letters and sending cards to family and her many friends.

Claire is survived by her four children, Peter Vandertuin of Brattleboro, VT, Barbara Stahle of Brandon, VT, Jan Vandertuin of Eugene, OR, and Sara Davis of Reno, NV, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and daughter, Bonnie Fairbanks.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., on Friday, November 22, at the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 South Main Street, Middlebury, VT. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, at the United Reformed Church of New Haven, 1660 Ethan Allen Hwy., New Haven, VT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Reformed Church of New Haven, or to Addison County Home Hospice, Rt. 7 N, Middlebury, VT 05753.

The family also wishes to thank Claire's church community, friends at the Marble Works Condos, and the staff and nurses at EastView for the wonderful care and support given to her during the past year.