Billie Joanne VandeZande
Billie Joanne Carlson was born on February 13, 1936, in South Bend, Indiana. Her parents were Richard and Eleanor (Roeme) Carlson. Family and friends knew her as "Tootie." She went to school in South Bend through the 8th grade.
On October 25, 1952, she married Robert Vande Zande in South Bend. They were together until his death on October 28, 2017. Her life was dedicated to God and to her family, whom she called the 7 B's. She was very active in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent much time with them at the lake and at family gatherings.
Tootie was an active member of St. Jude Church in Fort Wayne. There she served and volunteered in the Choir, the Rosary Society and the RCIA program. She supported local food banks and many other non-profit organizations that help the poor. She died peacefully on July 17, 2026, at the age of 90. She is survived by 3 sons, 2 daughters, a brother and a sister, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was adored and will be sorely missed by her extensive family and friends.
Billie Joanne Vande Zande (Tootie) age 90 of Ft. Wayne, IN passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Parkview Regional Medical Center – Ft. Wayne, IN
Tootie was born February 13, 1936 in South Bend, IN to Richard and Eleanor (Roeme) Carlson.
She married Robert Vande Zande on October 25,1952 in South Bend, IN and he passed away on October 28, 2017.
Tootie lived a well lived life. Her life was dedicated to God and her family known as the 7 B’s. She attended school in South Bend through the 8th grade.
She was an active member at St. Jude Church serving and volunteering in the
Choir, Rosary society, and RCIA programs, in Fort Wayne Indiana.
She supported local food banks and many other non-profit organizations
benefiting the poor. Tootie was very active in her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives, spending much time at the lake enjoying her family and the family gatherings. She was adored and will be sorely missed by her extensive family and friends.
She is survived: 3 sons; 2 daughters; 1 brother and 1 sister; 15 Grandchildren, 23 Great grandchildren and 1 Great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Vande Zande; parents: Richard
And Eleanor Carlson; 1 brother, 2 sisters
Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, IN 46738.
Visitation at church on Friday from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. following with a Rosary service at 10:30 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Garrett, IN with Fr. Brian Isenbarger officiating.
Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery – Garrett, IN
Memorials are to: Area Food Banks
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