Deidre van Fleet

Deidre was born in Cumberland Maryland on May 15, 1961 and was the daughter of Thompson (Tim) and Pauline Foreback of Myrtle Beach, SC. Deidre grew up in Fort Ashby, West Virginia and graduated from Frankfort High School and Potomac State College. After working at Westvaco’s Luke Mill and the Charleston Corporate Office, she retired from WestRock Company in Richmond, VA as the Business Optimization Lead earlier this year.

One of the highlights of Dee’s business career was starting Timeless Treats & Confections at Canal Place in Cumberland, Maryland with her husband where she had the joy and opportunity to meet people in the local community. She was known for her amazing heart, selflessness, patience and encouragement. She was an avid reader and enjoyed shopping, gardening and remodeling. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. In the final years of her life, she showed strong courage, grace and faith following her diagnosis with ALS.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband Herbert van Fleet and his three sons Justin (Fabian) of Bellport, NY, Ryan of New York, NY, and Seth (Melissa and children Max, Molly and Hudson) of Ellicott City, MD; two loving sisters Debbie Bolig (Jim) of Myrtle Beach, SC and Amy Carpenter (Tim) of Kearneysville, WV; nieces Mandy and Erin and nephews Isaiah and Issac; aunts Sally, Carol, Linda and uncle Curt; sister-in-law Cathy and brothers-in-law Michael and Brian; and numerous extended family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert White, Dr. Kelly Graham Gwathmey of VCU Neuromuscular and ALS Clinic, and Prof. Lora Clawson of the Johns Hopkins University ALS Clinic. The family also extends its sincere gratitude to the team at James River Hospice Care.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Dee’s life on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel in Midlothian, VA and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dee’s name to the Team Gleason Foundation or the ALS clinic at VCU.