Mary Jean Van Vranken

Mary Puim Van Vranken, born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 24, 1911,

passed away on November 13, 2011, at the age of 100. She is predeceased by her

first husband, Frank Puim of 44 years; second husband Howard Van Vranken of 20 years; son,

Ronald Puim; grandson, Edward Puim, and sisters: Elsie Mendez, Louise McGunegill and Ann

Spengler.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Carol (Bud) McClung, Lower Lake; daughter, Marilyn

(Daryl) Stigers, Santa Rosa; daughters-in-law, Leonita Puim, Bellevue, WA., & Betty Rivera,

Cottonwood, CA; step-daughter, June Hall, Talent, OR.; step-son, Robert (Helen) Van

Vranken, Suisun City, CA.; grandchildren: Roland (Kim) McClung, Rancho Cucamonga, CA;

Rosanne (Nick) Wood, Clearlake Riviera, CA.; Ian Stigers, Tulsa, OK; Daniel (Rene’) Puim,

Fairfield, CA; Joseph Puim, Cottonwood, CA; Vienna Taggart, Cottonwood, CA; Shnia &

Ronald Puim, Jr., Bellevue, WA; great grandchildren: Sara McClung, Taylor Wood,

Dustin and Johnny Puim; Amanda, Ronnie & Billie Taggart, Jessie Puim; and many nieces,

nephews and step grand and great grandchildren.

Mary was the eldest of four girls born to Anna C. Silva Vieira and Joseph R.Vieira who

were from Fayal in the Azores Islands.

Mary’s mother and her three sisters moved to Oakland, California in 1927 when she was 16

years of age. She graduated from high school in June, 1929.

Mary met her future husband, Frank Puim, while working at the Eagle Creamery as a

soda jerker in Oakland, CA. They were married in April, 1930 in Reno, Nevada; and then

again in the St. Paul’s Catholic Church in San Pablo, CA on October 5, 1931. They had

three children: Ronald, Carol, and Marilyn.

Mary, Frank and family lived in Richmond, CA until April, 1955. At this time,

they moved with their daughters, Carol and Marilyn, to Clearlake Highlands, CA, where

they bought and operated the Calders Lakeshore Log Cabins Resort for the next 20 years.

After the passing of Frank in March of 1974, Mary continued to run the resort until June, 1975.

Besides being a resident and business woman of the Clearlake area since 1955, Mary was

a faithful parishioner of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, where she was also a

member of the Queen of Peace Women’s Guild.

Mary also had the honor of winning the contest to name the Redbud Park in Clearlake when it

was first established.

In 1977, Mary met Howard Van Vranken through her square dancing club, and the two

were married in 1978. After their marriage, they resided in Clearlake Riviera for the

next 20 years. During this time, Mary and Howard continued square dancing, traveling and

participating in the Lake County Chapter of the Retired Public Employees Association. Mary

helped out as one of the Chapter’s callers.

After the passing of Howard, Mary moved to Lower Lake next to her daughter Carol,

where she has lived since 1999. In March of 2011, Mary went to live at the Three Lakes

Assisted Living Home in Lower Lake.

Mary was always very energetic and enjoyed cooking, crocheting, knitting, bookkeeping,

gardening, canning, family gatherings, and delighted in keeping her house in a very organized

fashion. She also loved her dear pets.

Mary’s friendly nature, generosity of spirit and love of life will be remembered by all

who were lucky to have known her. She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends, but

will now be in the loving hands of God.

A visitation for Mary will be held at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake on Thursday, November 17, from 2pm until 8pm, with a Rosary at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Noon on Friday, November 18th. A committal service will follow at Lower Lake Cemetery. Family request any donations be made in Mary’s name to Hospice Services of Lake County.