Aimee was an amazing wife, mother, and friend. She married Michael VandenElzen on October 5, 1991, and she rocked her vows and loved him until the end. Her memory will live on in her children and their children will hear stories of Nonna VandenElzen. Those lucky enough to have been touched by her in this life know just how wonderful, kind, compassionate, and “good people” she was. She always made it a priority to remind people “who you are, and whose you are,” making it very clear her first love is Jesus. No matter who you are, just remember she loves you more.
Aimee was a beloved member of the community and church. She volunteered her time with the confirmation candidates at St. Francis de Sales. Her Auntie taught her how to make rosaries and she carried on this tradition by making rosaries for family, friends, and anyone who wanted one. Everyone who knew her was touched by her light and her fiery passion for Jesus. As part of her faith journey, Aimee’s dream was to walk the Camino de Santigo and visit the Holy Land.
Always looking to expand her knowledge, Aimee loved to read. When reading in her chair she would often be accompanied by her cat, Maggie, perched atop the chair next to her head. When her children were younger, she would often read to them and in her last few weeks she would dedicate time for people to read to her. She loved golfing whenever she could and frequently golfed with June. Aimee also loved playing cards, especially Euchre and Cribbage (she will forever be the blue pegs). Like a true Detroit native, she loved watching the Lions, in good times and bad, especially with Aidan and “football buddy” Uncle. Aimee enjoyed going out and getting a coffee, especially at Kin. She would invite others to meet for coffee or pick up favorite brews while out shopping with Marianne. Despite Maggie being Mom’s cat, Dominic always made sure she was well taken care of.
She is survived by her husband, Mike VandenElzen; her four kids: Juniper (Taylor), Dominic (Morgan), Aidan, and Marianne VandenElzen; her sister, Audrey Gentilia; and her cat, Maggie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Mary Ann Gentilia; father-in-law, Orville VandenElzen; sisters-in-law, Jo Ann VandenElzen and Mary Guns; brother-in-law, Jim VandenElzen; and beloved, Kathy Muller.
There will be a visitation at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423, on Friday, November 15th, from 4:00pm-8:00pm with a rosary service starting at 6:30pm.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 16th, at 10:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th Street, Holland MI 49423, with a brief visitation preceding the mass from 9:00-9:45am.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Catholic Central High School Band
319 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Corpus Christi Catholic School
12100 Quincy St., Holland MI 49424
Encounter Ministries
730 Rickett Rd., Brighton MI 48116.
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