Linda Lou "Sanford" VanDerLaan

OXFORD, CONNECTICUT: Linda Lou VanDerLaan, age 78 of Oxford, entered into peaceful rest on September 2, 2025. Linda was born in Derby, CT on July 20, 1947; she was the daughter of the late James and Melicent (Dove) Sanford. Linda leaves behind the love of her life, John VanDerLaan, Jr., to whom she was married for 60 years. Together, they raised a beautiful family and ran a successful business, Van's Catering Service, Inc., on Park Road in Oxford. Linda was warm and welcoming to everyone she came in contact with, and was the first person to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was an excellent bowler and was a lifetime member of the Amateur Bowlers Tour. She also loved playing in a softball league. Family was the most important thing to Linda. She was the little league coach for her sons' teams. She loved fishing, and there are many happy memories of days spent fishing with Linda. Linda lived for her grandchildren and was very involved in their upbringing. Her grandchildren have only the happiest memories of spending days playing with "Grammy" and feeling the warmth of her unconditional love and support their entire lives. They will miss her very much. In addition to her husband, Linda leaves behind her loving family including her son John VanDerLaan, III and his wife Maria of Naples, Florida; her son William F. VanDerLaan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her grandchildren, John VanDerLaan and his wife Hannah, Michael VanDerLaan and his wife Allie, Julia VanDerLaan, Bill VanDerLaan and his wife Michelle, and Brandon VanDerLaan. She also leaves several brothers and many nieces, nephews and friends. Linda was predeceased by several brothers and sisters. A Memorial Service in celebration of Linda's life will be announced at a later date. Memorial Gifts may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour, CT 06483. Please share a memory at www.hullfh.com