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VANDENBERG -- THOMAS PATRICK "Tom" passed away at his home on Saturday, May 21, 2011, surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Tom was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 31, 1944, to Tony and Evelyn Vandenberg. He graduated from St. Mary's High School and received his degree of a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. Tom's career began in 1965 at the Ideal Cement Company in Tijeras, New Mexico. He transferred many times within the company, his family experienced living in many states and they made numerous close friends. After 41 years, Tom retired from Holcim (USA) Inc, as Human Resource Manager, out of the Portland Plant in Colorado. In 2006 Tom retired to Jemez Springs, NM, with his wife Jo Ann. An active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Jemez Springs, Tom served in many committees and in numerous capacities, including, finance council secretary, buildings and ground maintenance. Tom was a co-project manager and a great supporter and fund raising chairman of the newly constructed Madonna Parish Hall in Jemez Springs. He was instrumental in the upgrade and lease transfer of the old Servants of the Paraclete Hospital (Villa) to the Valles Caldera Trust. Tom gave much of his time and talents to the Jemez Springs Community. In 2010 he started the "Jemez Artisans", a co-op of many talented artists. With help from them, he rented the "Old Post Office" from Emmit Cart, so as to feature their many arts and talents in Jemez Springs. Tom joined the Knights of Columbus while he was a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Michigan. While living in Missouri, Tom helped to restore the Oldest Graveyard "Memorial Cemetery" in Missouri's most historic town of Ste. Genevieve. While living in Jemez Springs, he and his wife Jo Ann were awarded the St Francis of Assisi Award, given to them in Santa Fe, by Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan. This award celebrates lay volunteers who are role models in their service and love for their Catholic Church. Tom was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kristen Marie Vandenberg in 1967. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jo Ann Vandenberg of Jemez Springs, NM; daughters, Kyla M. Seale and husband Jeff of Texas, Kellie M. Sheldon and husband Todd of Michigan; son, Paul T. Vandenberg and wife Lyn of Colorado; grandchildren, Benjamin Seale "Ben" age 19 and Samuel Seale "Sam" age 13, both of Texas, Joshua Sheldon "Josh" age 22 of Michigan, Luke Tran Vandenberg age two, and Ava Rose Vandenberg age two months, both of Colorado; brothers, Anthony J. Vandenberg Tony and wife Patty, Robert J. Vandenberg "Bob" and wife Jean; nieces, Gayle and husband Mike, Nancy and Stacy; nephew, Eric and wife Tawn and their children, Elle and Elkin; as well as numerous other family members and friends who loved Tom and will miss him greatly. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mother Mary of Priests Catholic Church in Jemez Springs, on Saturday, June 11, 2011 an 10:00 am, with Pastor Gregory McCormick sp, Celebrant. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass, at Madonna Parish Hall, also in Jemez Springs. Tom will be interred at a later date, in a private family ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, Tom wanted donations to be sent to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund in Jemez Springs, NM: PO Box 10. Jemez Springs, NM. 87025. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Sun June 05, 2011