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BORN

1918

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard

Skokie, Illinois

Ethel Van Geem Obituary

Van Geem, Ethel L. (nee Metz) Of Glenview, Illinois. Beloved wife of 64 years to the late Erle L. Van Geem; loving mother of David Van Geem and Maryl Van Geem Hamilton; dear grandmother of Michelle Van Geem Brown, Lauren Van Geem, and Madison and Sean Hagan; amazing great-grandmother of Preston and Owen Brown; loving daughter of the late Albert and Ethel Metz (nee Saward); dear sister of the late Jack and the late Carl Metz. In the early days, Ethel worked in the restaurant industry and also worked for an accounting firm. She was married in 1939 and enjoyed being a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and homemaker. Ethel enjoyed travel, music, entertaining, family, healthy gourmet cooking, sports, and fishing. Ethel stood beside her husband and, together, they enjoyed many years of success in the Chicago restaurant industry. Ethel had an unforgettable knack for quick wit and humor. She had a youthful and positive spirit with an open heart that made those around her feel special and loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 5040 Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60630 www.salvationarmyusa.org OR Make-A-Wish America, 640 N. LaSalle Drive, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60654 www.wish.org. Info: 847 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.



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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethel Van Geem

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June 1, 2016

What a blessing to have had your mom in my life-so much fun, and, just joy to be with. My favorite memories of her, are at Mom Metz's and Carol's Christmas cookie parties-I so miss that time in my life when we were all together. The time your mom and dad took me and Carol to meet Ron Santo-there are no words how exciting that was. We all had such fun together that day.I feel sad for your loss .
Sending you Maryl and David, warm hugs and love, Beverley (Metz) Ralph

Tee Watson

June 1, 2016

Ethel and Nan are probably trading funnies about all of us and planning the next Surprise Ball party. Erle is on God's golf course as usual waiting for me. What fun we had with your patents and you two. So sorry I didn't get over to see Ekko before her passing. Let's all get together for a proper memorial.

Debbie Giannini

May 28, 2016

Dear Dave and Maryl, I know you already know how much I loved your Mother. She was a huge part of my life since I was 14 and was just like a mother to me. She was a very special person and irreplaceable. We'll all miss her greatly. You both were very blessed to have such an amazing Mother and one that loved you both with all of her heart.

Phyllis Smith

May 28, 2016

Maryl, Thank you so very much for sharing your mother with us. She was definitely a lovely woman and am honored to have known her and spent a little bit of time with her. What a legacy she left behind... You and your families. You, your brother and your families will always be in my prayers. Love you very much.

Sharon Pike

May 26, 2016

Dave and Maryl, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life your Mother had and how blessed you were to have her for so long. My love and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Please let me know if you need anything. You can always call me for a good story or laugh. Remembering the fun, love, and adventures you had together. Love, Sharon

Dave & Maryl

May 26, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,
We hope to be putting some photos up on this website in a few weeks. If you have any memories or photos to share, please post them if you get a chance.
Thank you and Love to all,
Dave and Maryl

Maria Dadgar

May 26, 2016

HOPI PRAYER OF THE SOUL'S GRADUATION

Do not stand at my gave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.

My Spirit is still alive

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Funeral services provided by:

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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