Mary Lee VanderGaag

Mary Lee VanderGaag entered into eternal life on June 15, 2014. Mary Lee was born in Burlington, Indiana on February 7, 1931 to Earl and Maybelle Taylor Patty. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1949 and was a 1954 graduate of Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. Mary Lee was preceded in death by her father Earl and mother Maybelle Patty, sister Marilyn Shuler and brother-in-law Dick Shuler, husband Ronald E. Young and husband Joseph VanderGaag and is survived by her brother Joe (spouse Lois) Patty of Monticello, Indiana; her three children, Bradley (spouse Deborah) Young of Saline, Michigan, Joy (spouse Jay) Ellis of Savannah, & Jill (spouse Jay) Snyderman of Irvine, California; her seven adored grandchildren Brian & Laura Young; Jeffrey, Corey and Morgan Ellis; and Kelly & Perry Snyderman; several nieces and nephews. Mary Lee was a physical education teacher at Ramsey High School (1970’s) in Ramsey, New Jersey and enjoyed her career there. Upon retiring, she and Joseph moved to Estero, Florida and became very involved in their church, the First Presbyterian Church Bonita, and community, having worked with the Harvest Hope Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. They spent many years travelling the country and Canada in their mobile home and shared many enjoyable tales of their experiences. In 2004 they moved to Savannah to be closer to family and fell in love with the low country and their church, Wesley Oak United Methodist Church. Mary Lee was an incredible mother and grandmother, and especially enjoyed the frequent visits from the families with whom she would organize special events and find exciting, new places to experience. She was a loving, compassionate and faithful person and showed her strength and will during the past several years. A special thanks goes to her second family who loved, supported, and took excellent care of her: Dorothy, Phillip, Avis, Dawn, Mary, Ruby, and Patsy. They were her light in a somber place. Also thanks to Dr. Lorraine McRae and staff for their continued support and kindness throughout the years, and the Hospice Savannah nurses, CNAs and staff. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 27th from 5-7 pm at Wesley Oak United Methodist Church. Memorial Services will be at 11 am on Saturday, June 28th at the church with the Reverend Lynn Drake officiating. A private inurnment will follow in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice Savannah, The Alzheimers Association or the Wesley Oak United Methodist Church. Please leave your thoughts and condolences for the family on our Tribute Wall.

Mary Lee VanderGaag

February 7, 1931 - June 15, 2014