Linda VanOosterhout, 84

Linda Jane Veronica VanOosterhout, age 84, of Three Rivers, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 21, 1940 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Louis and Janet (McCrea) Alchermes.

A talented actress, Linda attended C.W. Post University, where she starred in productions of Pygmalion as Eliza Doolittle and of A Streetcar Named Desire as Stella.

She worked for many years at Three Rivers Hospital in business administration.

Linda met the love of her life, Tom VanOosterhout, on a double-blind date. Neither one’s actual date showed up, but the two of them hit it off immediately and they were married August 26, 1976. The couple liked to dance and loved each other’s company, often spending hours in conversation.

She enjoyed watching movies, especially Lord of the Rings, and was a concert-level pianist who favored the music of Chopin, Gershwin, and Mozart. She loved the transition of seasons – particularly from summer to fall – and could frequently be found on her porch reading a book.

But most importantly, she loved her life and her family – engaging with her children and grandchildren, who called her Nana. Linda had a larger-than-life personality, and no one messed with her family, of which she was matriarch! A sassy, lovable woman and a great friend, she endeared herself to everyone with whom she came in contact.

She had a strong faith and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. When times got tough, she got tougher, and when she called for a miracle, miracles happened.

Remaining to cherish Linda’s memory are her best friend of 45 years, Carol Osborn; sons, Kevin Hart (Shelly Zelin), Stephen Hart (Sarah), and Peter VanOosterhout; daughters, Mary Huhnke (Karl) and Jennifer Cooley (John); grandchildren, Sarah Sheteron (Lloyd), Katie Ashbaugh (Steve Scott), Maggie Ashbaugh, and Jadzia Cooley; great-grandchildren, Landon Sheteron, Hunter Swinehart, Gavin Swinehart, Lorelai Winkler, and Addisyn Winkler; brothers, Stephen Alchermes (Dari) and Brian Alchermes (Christy); and sister, Jane Reilly (Joseph).

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Tom VanOosterhout.

Her family will receive friends Friday, June 13, 2025 beginning at 4:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A Scripture service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Fr. R. Mathias officiating. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in Linda’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph County Victim Services, P.O. Box 572, Mendon, MI 49072. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.