Obituary of Vanessa Joy Van Gorder

We never know how long a parent's influence will endure, but we have learned that a daughter's inspiration will never die. Vanessa Joy Van Gorder was born June 5, 1990 in Honesdale. On Christmas, she lost her life in a tragic car accident. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Sandercock Van Gorder and Scott Van Gorder of Paupack. Vanessa graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School in 2008, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania earlier this year. She was employed at the Boat House in Tafton, and Dyberry Forks in Honesdale. The lakes, the rivers, and the woods of Northeast Pennsylvania have lost a loving companion. She was happiest outside. Vanessa was a free spirit and a force of nature. All who knew her were thankful to stand in the warmth of her glow--it was bright, and it was steady. Vanessa was beloved by many, and she rewarded all with the warmth and brightness of golden sunshine. Her laughter and her smile were unforgettable and irresistable. Her life was a streak of light in the evening sky, and the flash of her brilliance lit up all the world around her. Vanessa left behind her loving family: her parents; three older brothers--Derek Van Gorder and his wife Sarah of Greentown, Dylan Van Gorder, and Max Van Gorder, both of Paupack; maternal grandmother Margaret Freeman of Bethany; paternal grandfather Donald Van Gorder of Honesdale; nephews: Gregory Van Gorder and Jackson Van Gorder; uncles: Steve and Jack Van Gorder, Scott and Ned Sandercock; aunts: Lyn Horst, Mandy Van Gorder, and Julie Sandercock; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by paternal grandmother Barbara Van Gorder and maternal grandfather Mead Sandercock. Visiting hours, a celebration of Vanessa's life, will be Monday December 29 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Paupack Methodist Church, route 507. The memorial service will be Tuesday December 30 at 11AM at the United Methodist Church, Church and 11th Streets, in Honesdale with the Rev. Robert L, Wood of the Paupack Methodist Church officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, 508 River Street in Hawley, PA 18428.