Sue Mathews Van Orsdel's Obituary
VAN ORSDEL
Sue Mathews,92,joined her husband Clifford in Heaven on Friday Feb 11,2010.A Coral Gables resident since 1945, she was born in Dawson, Georgia.
Following college graduation from Valdosta State University, in 1938, Sue worked for two years as a social worker in Valdosta, GA. In 1942 she received a Master's Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Chicago. She worked in Denver, St. Louis, Pensacola, and later at Miami's Family Service Bureau in 1945-46.
In 1946 Sue married Clifford Van Orsdel. In addition to joining the family business of Funeral Service, she and her husband raised 7 children.Children Donald,Carol ,Donald's wife Maria and granddaughter Crystal are all involved in the family business.
With her degree in social work she has cared for bereaved families and tried to meet their every need. She has encouraged the growth of women in the funeral service. She attended annual funeral service conventions with her husband and son, Don.
During the course of her life she has been involved in various projects and organizations and has made a difference in all of them. She was on the board of the Coral Gables Soroptimist Club and has served as their chaplain and worked with their community projects.
Sue was past president of the Women's Guild of The University of Miami. She was a member of the Coral Gables Woman's Club and served on their Restoration Committee. Also a member of the Coco-Plum Women's Club. Sue was a life time member of the Pioneers Club. She was a founding member of the Coral Gables Country Club and the Riviera Country Club, and was an active member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Also a member of the Coral Gables DAR, Coral Gables Music Club, Greater Coral Gables AARP, and the Miami Kiwanis Club.
Sue was a loyal member for over 50 years working on several programs with the Coral Gables First United Methodist Church and has served on their board and council. Served on the board of Wesley Foundation and Epworth Methodist Retirement Village. Was on the Editor's Council for the Methodist Good News Magazine, also on the Council for Coral Ridge Ministries, the Board of Reference for Youth for Christ, and the Advisory Board for Agape Women's Home.
Sue and her husband were involved with over 50 non-profit charities, including the American Family Association, Youth for Christ, National Association for Excellence in Education, Citizens Against Pornography, Cancer Associations, Riverside Ministries, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, MADD, The Rutherford Institute, The Heritage Foundation, Miami City Mission, Miami Rescue Mission, Camillus House, Lighthouse for the Blind, South Florida Jail Ministries and many others.
Sue was a devout Christian and believed in sharing her faith with others.
Sue voted in all elections, tried to influence good programs by our legislators, and has lobbied in Tallahassee for good legislation. Sue loved to spend time with her husband and family and enjoyed spending summers in Lake Junaluska, N.C.
Sue's family is very grateful to her kind and loving aide, Rocena Archibold, who helped Sue in the last year of her life.
She is survived by her children; Donald Van Orsdel (Maria), Carol Van Orsdel-Salgado (Jose), Vicki d'Adesky, Judy Sickles (Dan), Linda , Jim and Pam. Grandchildren; Andrew, Crystal, Jennifer, Mathew, Katrina, Michael, Sarah, Kevin, Ivana, Bryan, Nathan, Tara, Valencia, Will and Cameron. Her great grandchild, Zachary, is expected in April. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her six brothers and sisters.
Visitation 6-9 pm Friday, Feb 19,2010,Visitation 10:30 am Sat Feb 20,2010 with a Celebration of her life at 11 am in the Chapel followed by a reception. Private entombment at Woodlawn Mausoleum.
The family suggests memorial contributions to: Miami Youth for Christ,Miami Rescue Mission or your favorite Christian Charity.
sign guestbook & view video tribute at:
[HERE] www.vanorsdel.com
VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES
4600 S.W. 8TH STREET
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