Diane Helen (Van Voorhies) Van Delden

Diane Helen Van Delden, 83, of Greensboro, Georgia, passed away on March 28, 2023,  surrounded by her family.

Diane was born on April 7, 1939, and grew up in Hawthorne, NJ. Diane had an infectious laugh and twinkle in her eye that brought joy to all fortunate enough to be in her presence. She married the love of her life, Robert Van Delden, on September 23, 1961. While raising two children, Diane started college at thirty and earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in counseling. She taught school for twenty-five years in Prospect Park, New Jersey, starting a student council and a school newspaper, and brought in the first computers. She poured her heart and soul into her students, many of whom she stayed in touch with. Diane was a fun teacher, friend, and grandmother. In 2000, Diane lost her eyesight, but it did not slow her down. She traveled to Europe, mentored women for Atlas Ministries, made cheesecakes for a catering company, hosted parties, kept her sense of humor, and never used her blindness as an excuse not to do something. 

Diane’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a member of the First Reformed Church in Hawthorne, NJ, where she was a youth leader. She became a member of the Second Reformed Church of Wyckoff, NJ, in 1975 and was a groundbreaker by becoming their first female elder. When Robert and Diane moved to Georgia permanently in 2000, she faithfully attended Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church. Diane’s spiritual gift was definitely hospitality.  She loved to serve others, and she did it joyfully.    

Of all of Diane’s accomplishments, she was most proud of the friendships she treasured through the years, her daughter Donna (Mark) Steeves, son Marc Van Delden, granddaughters Marissa Steeves and Kendall Steeves, and the marriage she created with Robert, who loved her dearly for 61 years. Diane is also survived by her brother James (Rhonda) Van Voorhies and Steven (Carol) Baker. 

A memorial service is planned for April 29, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church with Jeff Birch officiating. Family will greet visitors beginning at 1:00 PM. Donations can be made to DonorsChoose.org, which directly benefits classrooms in need.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.
 

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