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Story Category: Tributes & Memorials

Paul Antoon Van Eekeren Jr. age 58, of Chesterton, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1966, in Chicago Illinois, to Paul and Donna (Stone) Van Eekeren.

Paul is survived by his wife, Darlene (Meunier) Van Eekeren; two sons, Kyle Van Eekeren, Chris Van Eekeren; daughter, Heather Van Eekeren; two brothers David (Bridget) Van Eekeren, Kevin Van Eekeren; sister Kathy (Dan) Van Eekeren – Sharpe; and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Antoon Van Eekeren Sr.

Throughout life’s journey, Paul always had a big heart and loved his family. Paul had his favorite phrases that he was fond of for example, “YEAHH BABY”, “cool beans”, and “get your cameras ready.” He enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, boating, and golfing. He taught Kyle how to shoot and hunt, bonded with Chris through a shared love of sports, and taught Heather many life lessons, including how to a stick – shift. Paul instilled a sense of personal value in his children.

Memorial gathering for Paul will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton IN 46304. In lieu of flowers please, if possible, donate to Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Thomas “Tommy” Albert Moore, age 40, died on Sunday, June 16, 2024 after a lifelong and hard battle with bi-polar disorder. His family is proud of all the hard work he put in to fight his mental illness everyday and we are grateful for the resources and support Tom had to live the best life possible. He is gone too soon but we are comforted knowing he is finally at peace.

Tom loved the outdoors and had a strong sense of adventure. In 2023, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to live a healthier lifestyle and be closer to the mountains. His best days included enjoying a day of fresh powder or on a long hike with his beloved dog, Scottie. Tom was no stranger to endurance, having run the Chicago Marathon twice and completing the IronMan in Coeur lane, Idaho in 2016.

Tom had a unique gift for teaching, serving as an Adjunct Instructor at both Northern Illinois University and University of Notre Dame where he received undergraduate/masters and law degrees, respectively. He shared his love for skiing by teaching young beginners how to ski with patience, enthusiasm, and a smile on his face.

Tom had a big heart. Despite his darkest moments, his humor never wavered – he was the life of the party, the smartest guy in most rooms, and he had a heart of gold. May he rest peacefully knowing how much he was loved and how much light he brought to others.

Please make a donation in Tom’s honor to support the DBSA where his beloved friend, Bridget, volunteers to help, support, and improve the lives of people who live with mood disorders, like Tommy did.

In memory of Cecille Shim, 1941-2024: A tribute to a life richly lived. Cecille courageously navigated the complexities of bipolar disorder for 83 years, while steadfastly advocating for research into various mental health conditions. Explore Cecille’s remarkable journey through her obituary at https://www.smithcorcoran.com/obituaries/Cecille-Shim?obId=30916776.

Bruce Manhire loved baking bread for people, cooking and fishing. He earned a certificate from the Center for Creative Studies and worked for many years as an automotive clay sculptor/modeler, retiring from Ford Motor Company. His retirement was long and spent with his beloved wife, Mary, at their home in Hadley, Michigan or at Ponce Inlet, Florida when not taking a cruise.

At age 14, he met Mary and told the story of falling in love with her then until he passed on March 13, 2023 at age 88. They dated, writing daily letters through Bruce’s Army service in Korea and married on April 13, 1957. They raised 3 children, taking them on camping trips through much of the US and Canada.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary; father of Holly (Michael) Adams, Jeff (Michele) Manhire & Denise (William) Donohue; grandpa of Aaron, Nicholas, Lilley, Warren & Nolan; preceded in death by 3 brothers: Roy, Percy & Fred “Fritz”; brother in law of Dorothy (late Dennis) Lemon, Tom (Ronnie) Warren & Margaret (Gordon) Boring; survived by many nieces, nephews & friends.

Bruce and his family’s lives would have been happier had depression and bipolar disorder been acknowledged and treated in that era. We are grateful that he was at peace during his last weeks and confident of God’s love.

 

 

Cindy departed this world on January 23, 2023, after a short illness leaving behind her beloved mother, who sadly passed away a few days later. This page was started by her fellow peer supporter co-facilitators of Support Groups Central and Hey Peers to honor and remember her. Cindy was a Navy Hospital Corpsman veteran. She facilitated DBSA groups and the veteran’s group on the Hey Peers platform. She entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 and was assigned to the San Diego Navy Hospital. Cindy took all of the opportunities available to further her education, including attaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming a registered nurse. She also graduated from the Columbia Veterans Affairs Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center and received the Navy Achievement Award. As a civilian, she obtained her Peer Support Certification in South Carolina. She was certified in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR, As+K and completed the Smart Recovery and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training. Cindy participated in the Veterans Recovery Support Group and the South Carolina Peer Support for Peer Support group. She also attended the Project Echo Peer Recovery Support Specialists program and the Neurolinguistics for Certified Peer Support Specialist training. In addition to caring for her mother, she volunteered with Soldiers Angels food distribution program.

Cindy was hired by Support Groups Central/Hey Peers on December 9, 2022, after being referred by employee and friend Luanne Vinson. The fact that she made such a lasting impact on all of us in such a short period of time speaks volumes about her ability to connect with others. She co-facilitated three groups per week and led the DBSA veterans group every Friday afternoon. She was dependable, a quick learner, and cared deeply for those who attended the groups she facilitated as well as for her co-facilitators. We thought of her as a motherly type who could always be counted on. As her co-workers and her friends, we could think of no better way to honor her than to ask for donations to support the programs she loved to facilitate. Donations to DBSA made below, in Cindy’s memory, will help fund projects including our Veteran Strength support groups.

 

 

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It is with great sadness that the family of Jo Ann Sanders Chason announces her passing on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022.

Jo Ann was a faithful Catholic, dedicated teacher, historian, athlete, patriot, and Miami Hurricanes enthusiast. However, none of these compare to her greatest joy of being a grandmother. A better NeNe or JoJo will not be found. She has joined her parents, Gloria and Leslie Sanders, her brother-in-law, Sid Usner, the greatest athlete of all time, Secretariat, and her beloved dogs, Dubois, Faith, and Ling Ling in what she called the Great Beyond.

She is survived by her Husband, Guy Chason, three children, Jodi S. Ashman, Austin Chason, and Jordyn Chason Woods, her three grandchildren, Harley C. Ashman, Sydney Ann Woods, and Rachel Marie Woods, her sisters Leslye Usner, Corinne Sanders, and Gloria Sanders, her brothers Albert and Russel Sanders, and her dog, Kosar.

Greg was a caring friend and family member who was always there for those he loved. He was an advocate for removing the social stigma associated with mental health, like bipolar disorder. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance shares his vision to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders.

DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them -online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and videocasts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.

 

 

Memorial Fund – $1,321 Raised

Donors

Meryl Zegarek
Nancy Gendimenico
Ellen Wolf Slater
David Zurndorfer and Barbara Hill
Eileen Weiss
Carol and Mark Weibman
Kathryn Rodgers
Barbara Feinberg
Bob and Madi Goldszer
Suzanne Bergoffen
Myron Rumeld
Terrance Nolan
Kathleen McKenna

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Micki passed away October 15th at the age of 70 after a courageous effort to overcome a rare cancer. She was a gifted clinical psychologist with a private practice and was a tireless advocate for parents of children with mental health challenges. She joined the board of the national nonprofit The Balanced Mind Foundation (formerly CABF, now a part of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance), to support parents seeking medical and educational assistance, as well as support for themselves. In addition, Micki was a longstanding member of support for NYC/Tri-State parents raising mood dysregulated kids. She offered direction, comfort and encouragement that made a positive difference in parents’ and their family’s lives.

Micki always made time to help family and friends, and did so with empathy and humor. She had a zest for life, loved to meet new people, and entertain. She was known for her warm gatherings. She enjoyed museums, theater, dance, and musical performances. She was a keen photographer and studied painting. She will be remembered for her big smile, big heart, the sparkle in her eyes and her laughter

 

Please note donations may take up to two business days to appear on this page.

Memorial Fund – $911.00 Raised

Donors

Fernbrook Sunshine - $50.00
Mindi Metz
Jerry Kapchan
Claire Boden
Jodi Ganfield
Melissa Ernest - $100.00
Katy Engel - $108.00
Judith Zola
Allison Srinivasan
Marla Kleinbaum - $72.00
Ruth Klessman
Erica Kadel
Fred Strauss - $72.00
Suzanne Rosenthal
Jane Steinberg
Wendy Kelly
Anonymous

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Myra was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941. She was outgoing and popular as a child, and was voted “Most Popular” in her graduating class at Midwood High School.  She was a good student and graduated from Brooklyn College focusing on Mathematics and became a teacher. Later, she received a Masters Degree from Montclair State College. During college in the late 1950’s Myra received a sorority scholarship and studied in Europe. Upon graduation, she married Allan Teplitzky, moved to Paramus, NJ and had two daughters: Debra and Jill.  Myra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.  She had a warm and engaging personality and had an amazing ability to connect with people.  She was admired everywhere she went. She was a born fighter who challenged herself and others to be the absolute best that they could be.

After a battle with cancer in the 1970’s Myra decided to challenge herself again. Motivated by the incredible nurses and medical professionals who helped her through her treatments, she decided that her greatest impact would be to become a nurse.  She went back to school, studied hard while raising her children and followed her life’s calling.  Working at Hackensack Medical Center, her warm caring compassion led to many late nights, but a life filled with purpose.

Later in life, Myra was more mentally fragile, but still fought hard.  She endured several strokes and ultimately COVID, but kept fighting, inspiring all who knew her.  She enjoyed shopping, going out to dinner, Bingo, music, Broadway shows, watching TV, and was often found with an extra-large Dunkin Donuts ice coffee in hand. Myra loved family and was so incredibly proud of her five grandchildren.

Despite her health struggles, the impact Myra had on others was immeasurable.  She was kind, compassionate and a fighter until the end. In a time when it was not as common for women to go to college and have careers, she persevered and helped countless people. She was able to accomplish her career goals and her family goals. Myra was a trend setter and a great role model for women everywhere. Our family is grateful for your love and support.

 

Please note donations may take up to two business days to appear on this page.

Memorial Fund – $933.00 Raised

Donors

Karen Steiner
Anonymous
Patrick Duff
Jonah Sinowitz
Gloria Benzal
Robbie Cordo

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Devoted oldest brother to his siblings and cherished friend to countless many, Kelly Kirk, age 65, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 8, 2020.

Kelly was born on August 8th, 1954, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Robert Kelly Kirk and Sheila Elizabeth Duff Kirk. When he was four, the family moved to New Jersey, living in Bergen and Monmouth counties for a few years before relocating to Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1963. In his youth, Kelly’s mechanical aptitude and attention to detail were on full display. He worked for hours on chemistry sets and model kits. He knew how to take anything apart and put it back together. He developed a lifelong passion for music of all kinds. Over the years, he would assemble an astonishing collection of albums.

A diligent student, Kelly attended grade school at Holy Comforter Catholic School and graduated from Lane High School in 1972. During his high school years, Kelly’s love of music, literature and theatre blossomed. He taught himself guitar and piano, sang in the youth choir at Holy Comforter, composed poems and appeared in numerous theatre productions. He also became an Eagle Scout and obtained his first of several motorcycles (a particular passion).

When he was a senior in high school, Kelly developed the first signs of the bipolar condition that would alter the course of his life. After high school, Kelly worked various jobs while attending college, first at the University of Virginia and then Tennessee Technological University and Rutgers.

During those years and after, Kelly’s condition presented numerous challenges that would have decimated someone of lesser spirit. No matter how bad things turned, he was undaunted. He always persevered. In 1989 he finally realized one of his major life goals when he completed his college degree at Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey.

In 1982 Kelly settled in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he would live the rest of his life. In Lakewood, he developed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances that spanned all areas of his life—from close friends working to maintain their own wellness to those he met in the community at large or through college classes and drama productions, of which he remained a part. He also stayed in close touch with those he knew during his years in Charlottesville.

Kelly’s health challenges robbed him of opportunities so many of us take as birthrights. But he never allowed them to alter the essence of who he was. For his entire life, Kelly remained incredibly warm, generous, gentle, open hearted, exceedingly bright, clever, funny and engaging. Kelly was a truly unique individual, as anyone who ever met him will freely admit. He will be deeply missed.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his siblings, Brian, Sean, Kathy, Maureen and Aileen, along with 6 nieces and nephews.

A virtual mass for Kelly will be held on Tuesday, July 28th, at 11a.m. and will be recorded for those unable to attend. An in-person memorial is planned for when safe travel can resume. For those wanting details on attending the virtual mass or planned memorial, please contact Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals, carmonabolenfh@gmail.com, 732-349-1922.

In lieu of flowers, Kelly’s family encourages those wanting to honor his memory to please consider donating to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance on this page or by mail to 55 E. Jackson Blvd, Suite 490, Chicago, IL  60604.

 

Please note donations may take up to two business days to appear on this page.