It is hard to say what I will remember the most.  Her laugh, no it was more of a giggle, like a little girl having so much fun she would almost loose her breath.  Her big blue eyes would glisten and sparkle and she would have the biggest smile on her face.  She called me her sisser from a different mister.  No we really wern't  sisters but Oh the fun her true sister and I had when we were together.  We could be so bad and laugh till we couldn't stop.She was so smart and taught me so many things.  She was so interesting, so I would love to listen and learn.  She loved her family dearly. It is evident because of the wonderful family they are.   Her gentle words, and her soft voice were such a comfort when my life was in turmoil  One day at the beach she and Irene my dear friend, her sister, gave me the best hug Chris said we had to have a group hug, It was so meaningful and caring that I will never forget it. That was Chris.  always being so kind, loving and happy. She was patient, she loved Amish Chicken, she loved stimp stomp and always made it knowing how much we loved it.  My husband loved her biscuits and gravy  She loved flowers, antiques, her painting. All of which I have had the pleasure, and honor to be given.  Yes Chris they will be loved and cherished.  And  you will be thought of and every memory cherished every time I see them.  She was a true southern belle.  A woman that I admired greatly, and will miss terribly.  Her zest for life was addicting. She made life meaningful and fun. Her many acts of kindness have touched so many and I will continue her wish.  Thank you Chris for wonderful you and the wonderful years of our friendship.

Chris was my lifelong friend of 62 years.  Of all my most cherished memories, most included Chris. I have been so incredibly blessed to have been part of her life and my life will never be the same now that she has gone.  We will meet again my friend, keep the light on.

Mrs. VanLeeuwen was the kindest,sweetest, most caring person I have ever met. She has always been to me a true vision of what a True Lady is. I hope that in my life I reflect the qualities of integrity and love she has always shown me. Mrs V always always reminded me when I saw her of when at age 10 my mom brought me over to meet Amy .. after we moved from Michigan to Florida. My mom saw Amy outside with her cousin Chris and knew I needed a friend. When we knocked on the door Mrs. V AND Amy answered... from then on we became family. Mrs. V was painting and had a paint brush in her hand. From then on Amy and I for years were inseperable. I spent many many nights over their house. I have so many fond memories I cherish so much. My years growing up were much much sweeter because of the love I was shown in their home . The VanLeeuwens are such sweet people. Their home always so loving and warm. A safe place...always has been. I named my daughter Christina ..I had Mrs VanLeeuwen in mind when I did. I wanted my daughter to grow up to be like her. To grow up to be a lady like her. I always loved her laugh and how her eyes woukd sparkle when she did. We would just watch movies together or the music awards and spend qyality time together. I was always made to feel loved and supported...spoiled. I am so grateful of trips when Amy and I went antiquing or shopping malls with her mom... time spent just being a part of their lives. I am so glad that recently we had time together...
 I will truly miss this lady who was like my second mother. Words cannot express the sadness my heart feels. But, I know deep inside that she is in a place with no pain or tears. She is healthy and feeling no pain and at rest with my Jesus who is the healer. I am glad for that. I love the whole family. I pray God will comfort their hearts and that we will all let the love and light shine in the giving spirit that Mrs. VanLeeuwen always so generously and graciously showed.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I wil always miss my sister and all of our trips together, mostly antiquing. Chris was the kindest person with many talents, but mostly her gift of painting was loved by everyone. She was a wonderful mother, sister, granny and all of her values will live on in her children. Everyone will miss you terribly and you wil always be in my heart. Not a day will pass without thinking of her.

Dear Fred and family,
I am a better person for having had Chris as a friend.  Her painted ornaments on my Christmas tree are so special and will be a reminder always of our friendship.  I cherish my memories of working with her and laughing with her.  What a beautiful person. I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless you all.

I have cherished all our times together and our great talks it has been a privilege to be a part of your lives your a wonderful wife, mother, granny, sister and friend forever with love Ineke

Chris was a kind, gentle soul, and a truly beautiful lady. Fred, my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
With deepest respect,
Don Scarborough

Sandy and I extend our condolences to the family of a good friend. We will not soon forget our trips to weekly antique auctions.

OBITUARY

Christine Lee Van Leeuwen

July 28, 1946 – December 18, 2013

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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