Naida J. (Petty) Vandendooren

Naida J. Vandendooren, 93, of Kewanee, died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo. Naida was born August 9, 1929, in Kewanee, the daughter of Riley P. and Velma P. (Webster) Petty. She graduated from Kewanee High School with the class of 1947. She attended Black Hawk Community College and Bradley University, with a degree in education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Naida married Robert “Bob” Vandendooren on June 24, 1950, in Kewanee; he preceded her in death on October 29, 2009.

Naida is survived by one daughter, Susan (Kent) Youngstrom, Cambridge; two sons, Steve Vandendooren, Arizona, Kevin (Denise) Vandendooren, Thompson, IL; seven grandchildren, Tracy (Joe) Powell, Trent (Jessie) Youngstrom, Jamie English, Cara Mindenhall, Jeremy Vandendooren, Zachary (Amanda) Vandendooren, Tyler (Abbey) Vandendooren; 21 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Bruce Petty.

Naida taught 5th grade at Saint Malachy, Geneseo, and Galva School. She was also a substitute teacher at Kewanee Schools and an executive secretary for General Telephone, Kewanee. Naida was a member of First Christian Church, and Bible Study. She was president of the PTA, president of the Cancer Society, and Susan’s Brownie Leader. She was also a member of the Flemish American Club. Naida enjoyed reading; especially the Bible. During her younger years she enjoyed knitting, flowers, making Danish coffee cakes for the teachers. She loved playing bridge and attending their couple’s card group. Naida loved her family; especially her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Friday, April 7, 2023, at the First Christian Church. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, April 7, 2023, at the First Christian Church. Pastor Brian Giese will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or American Lung Association. Please leave an online condolence for Naida’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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