Elizabeth Vanderwoude

Elizabeth “Liz” VanderWoude, nee Spisak, age 69, of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 13, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Liz was employed by AT&T for 25 years and continued to contribute to the lives of many as was evident by her activities as Secretary Treasurer, Vice President, and President of CWA Local 4250 whose members she served for 36 years.

Liz was born on April 30, 1951 to George and Louise Spisak of East Chicago, She was the mother of Eric (Andrea) VanderWoude, Missy (Michelle) Melo,  and Kathryn (Darrin) Alderson.  Liz was born the third of eight girls, MaryAnn (Walter) Graham of Miami, FL, Catherine (Steve) Heaston of Williamsburg, VA, Barbara (Dwight) Mathis of Hobart, IN, Louise (Greg) Candea of Lake Placid, FL, Dolores (Dale) VanderWoude of Merrillville, IN, Patty (John) Dial of Stuart, FL, and Christine Spisak of Clewiston, FL.  Sisters-in-law Mary Beth (late Robert) Terpstra of Cedar Lake, IN, Lois (Robert) VanderWoude of Estero, FL, and Cheryl (Carl) Padding of Ballwin, MO. Proud grandmother of Rebecca Hernandez, Hannah Lawrence, Drake & Ryder Alderson, Emily Lenczycki, and Logan VanderWoude. Great-grandmother of Alina Hernandez and William Hernandez Jr.  Aunt of many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her large family and many friends, Liz’s life will be celebrated by the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life, especially those with Steve, Gina, Rosalie, Debbie, DJ, Pam and Rod, Boo, Cathy, Sandy, Michelle, Linda, KD, as well as Arthur and Patti Mendez, and their children who became part of our family.

Above all else, Liz loved her family and instilled in her children strong values, that to this day have served them well. She enjoyed her full and wonderful life and wanted to thank everyone, most importantly her husband of 45 years, Herman “Doc” VanderWoude, who was the love of her life.

Visitation Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln. Dyer, IN.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Humane Indiana (421 45 ^th St. Munster, IN 46321).  For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com