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1950 - 2021

BORN

1950

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

3081 W. Orange Grove Road

Tucson, Arizona

Sowchan Vandenakker Obituary

VANDENAKKER, Sowchan

was born on June 30, 1950 in Malaysia. She left this world at the age of 70 on January 22, 2021 as a result of COVID-19 complications. Chan grew up in Malaysia, where she served in the Peace Corps and met her American husband. After they married, they moved to Michigan. Chan was a diligent worker and had a career as a radiologic technician at urgent care facilities in Michigan and Indiana, as well as at the Tucson Orthopedic Institute. Chan was a loving and generous wife, mother, and friend who always put others' needs before her own. With her warm heart and energetic spirit, she enjoyed volunteering at various places in Tucson, including her church St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Tucson Symphony, Arizona Opera, and Arizona Theater Company. Chan will be missed greatly in her community.

Chan was preceded in death by husband, Robert Vandenakker; brother, Siew Meng Yip and sister, Soh Pin Yip. Chan is survived by daughter, Alethea (William) Halstead; brother, Siew Wah (Lian Ai) Yip; sister, Sew Ling Yip; brother, Swee Chang (Josephine) Yip; sister, Sow Lan (Yuen Choi) Yip; sister-in-law, Yuli Tjhai and brother-in-law, Jim (Jeanette) Vandenakker. She is also survived by ten nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, there will not be a funeral service at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 829 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85701. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sowchan Vandenakker

15 Entries

Luvette Russell

February 21, 2021

My husband and I attended exercises classes at the Tucson YMCA with Chan. We are both so surprised and shocked at Chan´s passing. She was always a cheerful and happy person when we´d see her at class.

Jeanne Newkirk

February 19, 2021

Chan was a member of my aerobics class at the YMCA. She was a bright light in class and will be missed greatly.

Irma Zamora

February 14, 2021

Going to miss our friend, Chan, always with a smile for us. Met Chan at the YMCA where she enjoyed Zumba classes and St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church where she volunteered at the Fish Frys at our church. Praying for comfort and peace for family and friends. Irma and David Zamora Tucson, Arizona

The Juckno family

Planted Trees

Maria Brackett

February 2, 2021

When i heard of chan passing my heart was filled with sadness. We met at the YMCA Zumba class. It was always fun to see her dancing . Praying for her daughter and family in this difficult time.

Shelly Duran

February 2, 2021

I was so sad to hear about Chan especially since we would talk after church or have a cup of coffee. She was so caring and full of life. I will miss her. Prayers for her family.

Roger and Kathlen Halstead

Planted Trees

Nick and Marla Schmid

January 31, 2021

Our heartfelt condolences to your family. Alethea, your mother must have been one amazing woman to have raised such a wonderful daughter. You and your family are in our prayers as you remember a beautiful soul.

Amy Henderson

January 31, 2021

Chan had a wonderful vibrant energy and I am so glad I had an opportunity to meet her. Sending so much love to Alethea, Will and all those who knew and loved Chan.

Sandra Castaneda

January 31, 2021

Chan was a beautiful person inside and out. A life taken much too soon. She always had a great attitude and a contagious smile. I am sorry to know she has passed. My deepest condolences to all of her family.

Kyle Slack

January 31, 2021

Chan was and will always be remembered as the kindest most giving and spontanious spirit that touched so many others during her time in the physical realm. Some may have not seen her often but I know chan well enough to know she was always thinking about us. Miss you and see you again friend:-(

Janet Krug.

January 31, 2021

Prayers and Condolences for the family. Chan will be missed. She was always checking up on the neighbors to see if they were okay or needed anything. RIP beautiful lady.

Earl and Gloria White

January 31, 2021

Chan our friend will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Andreana Valdez

January 31, 2021

My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Chan at TOI. We had so many great talks an laughs. She often spoke of her daughter and was so proud of her. She taught me so much and helped me with anything she could at work. I was always amazed of how much energy she had. I´m so sad to hear of her passing. May she Rest In Peace.

Danny F

January 30, 2021

My condolences to the family of Mrs. Vandenakker.
May you find comfort in your memories and God's promise to return our loved ones.
-1 Thessalonians 4:13,14.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

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Memorial Events
for Sowchan Vandenakker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

3081 W. Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85741

How to support Sowchan's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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