Cover photo for Elaine Bell VanLeeuwen's Obituary
Elaine Bell VanLeeuwen Profile Photo
1931 Elaine 2021

Elaine Bell VanLeeuwen

May 28, 1931 — July 10, 2021

Kalamazoo

Elaine Bell VanLeeuwen passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021, at Park Village Pines in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born on May 28, 1931, in Kalamazoo to Richard and Ena (Slentz) Hawes. While she was a child her family moved frequently throughout the country for her father's business as a building contractor. They eventually settled in Greenville, Michigan. On September 29, 1950, Elaine married Alan VanLeeuwen and they made their home in Portage, Michigan. They were married for 52 years. Elaine and Alan raised 4 children: Rick, Donna, Steve and Cathy. Along with her husband Elaine was a long-term foster parent through Family and Children Services in Kalamazoo. Over a time period lasting more than 50 years she provided foster care for more than 600 children. Elaine loved children. In addition to her own 4 children, she had 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Alan, her parents, her brother Dale Hawes, her son-in-law Bob Benedict, and a great-grandchild Kira VanLeeuwen. She is survived by her children: Richard (Margaret) VanLeeuwen, Donna Benedict, Steven (Kathy) VanLeeuwen, and Catherine (Kim) Sandelin. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. Donations in Elaine's memory may be made to Family and Children Services, Park Village Pines or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Elaine's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com
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