We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Vada here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Dear Gwennie & Terry,Joe & Darlene & your families, May you be surrounded with love and wonderful memories of our Vada. What an amazing artist, collector, diamond queen & bunny person! We are thinking of you & sending an army of angels your way for strength, faith, hope, love and peace. Love, Terri & Lynn
Terri & Lynn Dotson
May 30th, 2009 at 12:00am
Your kindness and generosity will be missed.
Melinda Tong
May 31st, 2009 at 12:00am
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Vada. I adored her free spirit and love for art! I learned much more than how to paint from my favorite teacher... And loved to come back and visit every chance I was able. God truly blessed us all to know her presence and she will be fondly remembered always.
Nicole Howard Bishop
May 31st, 2009 at 12:00am
ms. vada and your family...my thoughts are with you and ms vada you will be missed...i remember being so anxious to get to your art class every day to see what kind of crazy thing we would do that day, my favorite being dancing on the tables to who let the dogs out! not to mention all of the wonderful things you taught us in art class.we all loved having you as a teacher and you will surely be missed!
Aimee Morganthaler-Maurer
May 31st, 2009 at 12:00am
The best art teacher ever! She always inspired us to go one step further. She loved the lunch tray I made. She was an awesome teacher and it was so fun to be in her class. She will be missed immensely! God has another beautiful angel at his side.
Tammy (Skorupa) Heyn
June 1st, 2009 at 12:00am
Gwennie, I was so shocked to hear of Vada's passing. I ran in to her a couple of years ago at Clementines. I can still remember the amazing sasoon haircuts she gave us in 9th grade and I always admired her artistic talents so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Drew and Janice
Janice Hamlin Peterson
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:00am
I must say I just Loved this women, as a 12 year old child she was my 6th grade art teacher and even though i didn;t have much talent for art she always was encouraging with each of my attempts of creativity. She loved the kids always, my daughter was quite inspired by her and when she went through some tough times Veda was always there encouraging her to move forward in life. Veda was always full of energy and kindness, her house was filled with colors and liveliness just like her. We are going to miss her dearly, even when she was sick she always had positive things to say. Veda you no longer suffer, I know you had much pain in the many years behind you, you are finally at rest and freed of your burdening Pain. Love to you and your family and friends who will deeply miss you. Julie Holtsclaw and family
Julie Holtclaw
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:00am
To the family of Ms. Vada~ My thought and prayers are with you. Vada was an awesome teacher who taught us more than just art. She will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Ms. Vada.
Carmen Schaffer
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
Ms. Vada, Today I look out my window to a sun rising on a more lonely world now that your spark has gone from it. You taught me the deeper meaning of beauty in the world around me and gave me a gift that surpasses the fragile existance we must muddle through day to day. I am a painter. I am an artist because of the eyes you taught me to see through. I see the violet hues, the beams of amber jeting from behind the morning clouds on a backdrop of white and blue, and in them find peace, and a tranquillity unknown to most of man because the hands you helped train know how to capture this moment for the world to remember. The skills you honed in me, though appreciated, are by far not the only piece of you I'll be taking with me on my road of life. To me you were also a friend, a mentor, and one of the lasting and deepest engrained memories I have. The loft you let me have, the assignments you never gave me, the sanctuary you afforded me, the conversation and laughter still ring in my ears...and will be sorely missed. I understand that you were sick, that your body needed rest. Seeing you in pain broke my heart to the core, and knowing that your beautiful soul has finally found peace brings me the only solice in this otherwise tragic end to a life colored so brightly. I'll always remember your cat, punkin who, aside from your adoring husband, was the one true companion you ever had. I'll remember the long conversations about life and how the small town mentality of Watervliet was more a disease than a cure to the already small minded. I'll always remember you singing off key as we entered the room (bunga-bunga, Vada, bunga-bunga). I'll remember that even when times hit you the hardest, you never stopped smiling. The image of you is something no one could ever forget. Loud patterned shirts on top of multicolored pants, with a neck and hands adorned with an array of jewels and tokens. Most importantly though, I'll never forget the way you cared for, and loved your students...doing for us things no teacher had ever done before. You gave a piece of you away with every new person you met, yet the well never ran dry. I love you, and you will always hold a special place in my heart Trav, watervliet HS, 97-01
Travis Rick Mack
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
Dear Miss Vada Bo Bada, I will never forget how you gave me room all to myself to "try" and fix that monstrosity I was "trying" to make so that no one would laugh at me...and I remember how, when it was "finished" you told me, well, "maybe drawing isn't your thing honey, try this" and, 3 months later, I finally finished crafting "the cutest coffee cup you had ever seen" lol. I came into your art class because it was a grade I "had to have" to graduate and left your art class with a new understanding of art and the world in which beauty lives. I will always cherish Bopsey the bunny that you gave me the day I graduated, and the visits to your studio many times after. You were truly a kind soul and I know that heaven has one more angel. A wildly dressed, quite opinionated angel, but wings nonetheless. Thanks you for all the wonderful memories, even though I only went to Watervliet for one year, it was the best year of HS ever and you class was the only one I never skipped out on. You actually let me "skip" other classes by sitting in your class and helping you. you realized that socializing was hard for me, and you kept me safe. Remember when I was etching that FOX logo onto that mirror and got acid on my hand and wiped my eye and you had to take me to the hospital and call my mom for me while they rinsed my out for like and hour????? Wow, what a day and then you too me to Burger King. I love you Miss Vada & so will GOD. xoxoxo Heather Bo Bether
Heather Evans-Krukowski
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
She truly touched every person she came into contact with in one way or another! She brought a smile to your face even on your worst day! Not only did she turn her students into better artists, but she also made them better people! Ms. Vada,you will be greatly missed and may you never be forgotten!
Stephanie Lyons
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
I was so saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend, Vada. I had been thinking about her so much lately because her birthday was coming. The memories I have of her will remain very special to me and to all of our "little" group of gals who would get together for our Girls Night Out. Vada touched a lot of lives and will be fondly remembered by students as well as adults. Cheri
Cheri Freed
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada...you were an inspiration to so many...and loved all. I will always remember bringing the camel up to the school for the students to paint and you wanted to kiss it...your eyes had no prejudice to anyone or anything!
Rebecca Atherton
June 4th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada, you will be dearly missed. You have taught me so much about art and kept the insipration going. I have never known a person a kinder than you.
Mande Hankins
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada? Where do I begin? She was the best teacher I ever had. I didn't need her class for a credit, I already had Choir, but I just had to meet this zany, wacky, beautiful woman. And I am so glad I did. She opened our eyes to a whole new vibrant world. I remember spending time with her in the summer even when school had ended. I remember meeting her at the Waffle House for breakfast before school, and there was nothing else that could get me out of bed that early. I remember when I sold Avon and told her that the blue eyeliner she liked was being discontinued and she bought 8 of them. Wow. I can't believe she's gone. She is an angel now in Heaven and the Lord is lucky to have her. She will be dearly missed but she's no longer in pain.
Tricia Krogel-Cole
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
My thoughts and prayers are with Vada's family. We all will miss our clasmate of 1964.
Pete Swanson
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
I will always remember her in my heart when I was in school she was always there for her students. She didn't consider us just students though she thought of us all in a very special way. I will never forget breakfasts with her at the Waffle House. She is and always will be greatly loved
Sandra Hamilton McGowan
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
I was so upset when I read the paper this morning and found out my dear, dear friend had passed away. I had planned to visit her this summer and was thinking about her on her birthday. My card probably did not get there in time. She was an awsome inspiration of foritude and compassion. She loved children most of all and called them her kids. Vada was a great lady and a one of a kind, talented lady. Her generousity and laughter will be long remembered. Her passing has left a big hole in my heart. Mary Anne Claywell
Mary Anne Claywell
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
She was an interesting teacher and one of the most fun....I am alost positive her class was one of the few I actually stayed awake in...she will be missed.
Terena Sturgeon Beebe
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
To the family of Vada I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I will remember all the times I had with her as a teacher and friend. I will remember the old days when she taught us ceramics and lots of other crafty things to teachers and friends after school. I also will remember all the wonderful things she did for me and family members. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss.
Judy Phillipi
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
I remember all the fun I had in her classroom my junior and senior year of High School. She was always willing to help with the fine details ona project to give it that little extra. She was a great techer and will be missed.
Kimberly Lockwitz
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
Dear Vada's family. I am sorry to hear about Vada's passing. She was a great teacher and friend of mine. I am she shop teacher, and had the opportunity to work on several projects with her. I will never forget the dedication to her students, her honesty, hard work and most of all, her sense of humor. I am going to miss her. My prayers are with you.
Mike Waite
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada was my junior high art instructor in the mid-70s, and later became a mentor and friend. Her interest and dedication to me as an individual helped shape my life by teaching me that anything is possible as long as you're willing to try. I'm sure I was just one of many that were blessed by her gifts and talents - and one of many that will miss her.
Jeff Altom
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada was a true lady and an inspiration to anyone who knew her. Her love and kindness extended beyond the classroom and it was inspiring to see how much she loved teaching and truly cared about her students. Vada touched more lives than I'm sure she ever realized. I hope she's teaching an art class in heaven.
Marilyn Barchett
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
My heartfelt condolences to Ms. Anderson family. Vada was truly a blessing to many of us that attended Watervliet Jr/Sr High School. Her compassion was endless and was so dedicated to her work and to all students. I fondly remember her spaghetti lunches that she would put on and would find myself after lunch coming to her classroom to talk. She would listen with interest and cared for all her students. I will greatly miss Vada.
Shonda Warren
June 5th, 2009 at 12:00am
Love you Miss Vada! I had her for my conference hour at WHS and she was so cool! She was always so kind and caring. She will be missed. And my sister Tiffany Welty loved her very much too. (just in case she can't sign the guestbook I thought I would mention her. :)
Christa Welty
June 6th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada was such a wonderful teacher. She was greatly admired by her students. We will all miss her.
Darrell Day
June 6th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada was a remarkable woman and an inspiration to many. As one of her kids, I have many fond memories I cherish. She has left bunny prints on my heart. My prayers are with her family and friends, all of us will miss her.
Belinda (Shoemaker) Green
June 6th, 2009 at 12:00am
I will always remember Vada. She was an inspiration to my art and will be sadly missed.
sarah watson-clemons
June 6th, 2009 at 12:00am
Was a true inspiration to me through my years at Watervliet high school...
frances loshbough scott
June 6th, 2009 at 12:00am
Miss Vada was creativity personified. She would show us how to do something but if we modified it to make it work better or get better results, she would want us to show her. She was never afraid to learn from her students as well as teach them. It empowered us and we loved Miss Vada anyhow but it endeared her to us more. She has always been in my thoughts because she was such a colorful, forthright woman and I always will remember her rings that she wore. God Bless you and yours during this sad time.
Heather Gitersonke Nielson
June 7th, 2009 at 12:00am
I loved her, she was the best art teacher ever. I don't remember much of the class, but I do remember her kindness and loving direction. I will miss her.
Joseph Nash
June 7th, 2009 at 12:00am
I am so sorry to hear of Vada's passing. I worked with her at "Tommys Drive Inn way back in the mid 60's. Was she sick with something? I haven't heard about her in many years. My deepest condolences, Paula (Seroke) Arnold
Paula (Seroke) Arnold
June 7th, 2009 at 12:00am
My deepest condolences to Miss Vada's family. She was such a kind soul and taught art with such joy and love. She treated us like we were all special, talented, and that made all the difference for a lot of people. The world is a little less brighter without her in it.
Amy Lovell
June 7th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada, you and I have been friends for many years. We both taught in the same school system and had a good time eating out and shopping. Later on I moved to Glenn and you came to the United Methodist Church. We always had things to do together. You always had a smile and a laugh for the occasion. I will miss you a great deal. We had talked about getting together when the weather got better. I know that you are at peace still using all your creative talents and help others. Love You !!!
Helen Zychowicz Hutchins
June 7th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada and Family, Vada was the best teacher I ever had and probably ever will have. She was all about fun, as long as we got our work done, but we got to have fun while we were doing it. Vada gave me something to look forward to when going to school, knowing that I would have some excitment and fun for the day. Because of Vada art has became a big part of my life and always will be. She encouraged me to try harder when I thought it was time to give up, and in the end everything turned out perfect with her help. Her crazy, fun, caring personaly will never be forgotten. Vada was a wonderful artist, a great teacher, and a best friend. She will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with Vada and family.
Chelsea Abel
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00am
It was always fun to be in Vada's classroom. No matter what the day was like, you knew there was always a bright side going through her door. She was definitely an influence to many students over the years and will be missed by all. Best wishes to her family and God bless.
Andy Bodfish
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00am
Vada, Knowing you was frustratingly wonderfull. It was an honor to be one of your helpers these past few months. Thanks Karen aka The Goat Lady ;)
Karen Cole
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00am
I just want the family to know I am praying for you all. And to let you all know you're in my thoughts. I'm sorry for your loss. Vada is a great woman.
jozef kozlik
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00am
I am thankful for all of the kind words that Miss Vada had for me and all of her students. She taught us that trying something new was a great way to stretch your learning muscles. The time in her art class was more than just learning it was preparation for life. God bless the family of Miss Vada
Kurt Frazier
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00am
Oh how my heart is hurts at this news. Vada was more than a teacher to me. I had her first in 7th grade and remained in her class till the day I left school. I was Vada's teachers assitant for 6 years from 1979-1984.We remained friends even after I left scool. She was at my wedding. Her first husband Bernie performed my marrage. I remember going to her home when Vada lived on North Shore Drive. Meeting her mother and father. Helping her move out of the townhome Vada later lived in. Helping her rip the wall out of a small home along the lake michigan.We laughed so hard at the dust that would get in her hair. Although our lives grew apart, Times I had not seen her for years. Vada was a true friend and Stellar teacher few could hold a candle to. Vada always demanded your best you could give and if she felt she was not getting it she would let you know. Vada always gave her best.I remember her calling me from the Hospital telling me she had just had cancer surgery. I began to cry on the phone instead of me comforting her she comforted me. Vada was the best. I'm sure she is surounded by lots and lots of diamonds with diamond sudded angel wings. I will miss you forever.
Jon Moore
June 9th, 2009 at 12:00am
I was one of Ms. Vada's students at Watervliet High School. She was an amazing lady and I will never forget how she made everyone laugh with her funny outbursts. She truly was a special person and will be missed by many. Kristin Hook Watervliet Class of 2002
Kristin Hook
June 10th, 2009 at 12:00am
I will always remember the diamond Bees she wore...the ceramics she let us free form...the art club and art shows...she always made each student feel like an artist, like their work was the best in the class...no matter who you were at WHS, your heart was touched by Ms. Vada.
Deena Gifford Perez
June 10th, 2009 at 12:00am
We were all sorry to hear of Vada's passing. She made a lamp for us years ago with everyones name and things that could be found in the store. We will always treasure it. We will miss seeing and visiting with her.
wolverine Hardware
June 10th, 2009 at 12:00am
Dear Gwennie and Jo and Family - Dick sent the notice of Vada's passing along to me. Just know that I am thinking of you and sending prayers for all. I will always remember growing up with our families living next to each other and all the ways our lives touched each other. Joe - thanks for all your support of Michelle when she came to Scott's funeral. She really felt supported by you. Blessings in at this time of loss. Vada was a wonderful woman and teacher!! Laurie Levon
Laurie Levon
June 13th, 2009 at 12:00am
Art classes at Watervliet High School with Miss Vada will always be cherished. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
Rachel Kent
June 14th, 2009 at 12:00am
miss vada was my favorite instructor throughout highschool. she was so kind and loving, she also had a great sense of humor. miss vada was my teacher for two years-sophomore and junior, before she retired in 2006 due to health problems. i missed her so much, but i think i was scared to find her and visit her because i didn't want to be hurt by seeing her sick. now, i wish i would have had the courage to see her again. i remember the last day that i saw her, the last day of my junior year. i looked up to her, she gave me confidence and hope that i could put my talents to some sort of use. i remember that she had a small heart tattoo by her thumb on her hand, i always looked at it when she would demonstrate a project for the class. i would really like to get the same tattoo in her memory, because i miss her so much,and i want her to always be close to me. thank you miss vada, you were more important to me than you could have ever known. -hayley ann- watervliet, MI
hayley ann burtchett
June 17th, 2009 at 12:00am
I remember the time spent with Miss Vada painting the ceramic masks in class. She was always so patient when it came to the detail of a face with the eyes and eye lashes. Still to this day I have the two masks that she did the eyes on herself for me. I took what I learned from her and share it with my own kids, ages 13 and 15. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and Miss Vada you will be missed. We all will see you again some day in heaven. Dawn (West) Pecoraro WHS C/O 1993
Dawn (West) Pecoraro
June 17th, 2009 at 12:00am
We were neighbors with the Tragna's when we were kids. Our world was Green St. and Center St. We played kick the can, rode our bikes, knew every crack in the sidewalk, and loved Tragna's big front porch--and their dogs, Poochy and then the greyhound named Girl. Seems like we were together everyday all summer long. Joe & Darlene and Gwennie please know we are thinking of you and that we will always remember Vada. Jim & Jane (Arkins) Bauschke
Jim Bauschke
June 28th, 2009 at 12:00am