In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM Sally Jane vanKaathoven

Jan. 12, 1946 - Feb. 12, 2021

Sally Jane Pace vanKaathoven passed away peacefully in her home on February 12, 2021 with her beloved husband Neil by her side. She was 75 years old.

Sally was born on January 12, 1946 to Thomas and Ilene (Whitney) Pace in San Jose, CA. Brother Thomas William Pace was born 3 years later in San Jose, CA. She attended Jefferson, Walter Bachrodt, and Belden elementary schools, Peter Burnett middle school and graduated from Lincoln high school in 1963. She then went onto Chico State where she majored with a Bachelor in English and a Minor in Psychology.

As a young adult, Sally lived in various areas of California including Lompoc, Los Altos, and San Francisco. At one point she even gave Canada a chance by living in British Columbia for six months. After working as an Eligibility Worker in San Mateo Co. Sally settled in as an eligibility worker with the Santa Cruz Dept. of Social Services in 1976. It was there she met her future husband Neil van Kaathoven. Neil was a resident of Santa Cruz with long family history in Aptos, CA.

At the time of their courting, Neil had three young children; daughters Julie (Guy) 5 years, Jennifer (McLachlan) 3.5 years, and son Janah 2 years. Taking on an instant family of three very young children while in her early 30s goes to show the strength and love between Neil and Sally. They were married on July 14, 1979 at Hollins House at Pasatiempo Golf Course, Santa Cruz. They settled into their new home in Aptos on December 1, 1979 where Sally remained until her passing.

In June of 1981 they welcomed their fourth child Ryan Pace van Kaathoven (La Selva Beach). Sally was a homemaker and dedicated mother to her children. She was heavily involved with volunteering in the Home and School Club at Mar Vista Elementary School in Aptos where she became a student favorite. She had a knack of crafting, sewing, and tutoring her children. Sally remained active in school affairs at Aptos Jr. High and Aptos High School. Sally and Neil never missed a single sporting event that their children competed in. Neil coached Gals softball and Little League/Pony League baseball. As her children continued competing in sports through high school and junior college, they continued to support the teams. Sally was a dedicated member of the Omega Nu, Dominican Guild, Friends of Hospice, and the Repub-

Sally vanKaathoven

lican Women of Santa Cruz. Sally began employment once again in 2002 accepting the position of Course Accountant at Seascape Golf Course where she worked for 18 years. Sally was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in May of 2020 and fought bravely until February 12, 2021, exactly one month after her 75 birthday.

Sally is survived by her husband and Muffin Neil van Kaathoven of 41 years, daughters Julie (Guy) and Jennifer (McLachlan), sons Janah and Ryan Pace van Kaathoven. Granddaughters Madelyn Shea Guy, Lauren Jane McLachlan, and Lucy Jane van Kaathoven. Sons in law Mark Guy and Dave McLachlan. Daughter in law Katharine Edson van Kaathoven. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother. n •••

There will be a private burial at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Monday Mar. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to make a donation in Sally’s name to Hospice of Santa Cruz Co.