Elizabeth Van Bergeijk

Elizabeth (Betty) van Bergeijk, 103, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2022, in Fishers, Indiana.

Betty was born on January 7, 1919 in Iowa City, IA, to Louis Vacik and Betty Vacik.

Betty graduated from high school in 1936 and went on to start her career as a Unit Clerk at the University of Iowa Medical Center where she met her future husband, Willem van Bergeijk. They married April 13, 1955 in Iowa City, Iowa. The couple had two children, Andre of Fishers, IN. and Eric of Honolulu, Hawaii.

During her fifty years in Bloomington, Betty was best known for her generous spirit and devotion to volunteering at her church, First Presbyterian in Bloomington, IN., where she was involved with the pre-school program. She was honored by the Presbyterian Women Lifetime Membership for 50 years of continuous service on September 23. 2014. She also volunteered her time at the Monroe County Historical Society, employing her clerking skills in the gift shop. In addition, she was honored by Monroe County United Ministries, being nominated for Volunteer of the Year in 2001. She also received an Volunteer Appreciation Award in 2010 and 2018. She was honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2005, presented by the Corporation for National and Community service and the USA Freedom Corps. From the director of MCUM (Monroe County United Ministries):

"I show in our database that Betty volunteered 2,912 hours over 29 years. It may have been even more than that!".

Because of her experience of being orphaned at a young age, she had heartfelt compassion for those who were in in need and often opened her home to several of her sons' friends when they needed a place to call home.

Betty is survived by her sons Andre (Valerie) van Bergeijk and Eric (Christine) van Bergeijk, grandchildren Alex van Bergeijk, Lauren (Neil) Nelson, Kristin (Jake) Johnson, Joel (Belinda) van Bergeijk, Meghan (Aaron) Huber and Renee van Bergeijk, great grandchildren, Michaela and Olivia van Bergeijk.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Willem, her brother George, and sister Lilian.

A Memorial service for Betty Van Bergeijk will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 221 E 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47408. A future date and time will be announced.

Memorial donations can be made in Betty's name to The Monroe County United Ministries Inc. and the Monroe County Historical Society Inc.