Regina (Jean) Van Veen

Regina (Jean) Van Veen, passed away at Rose Court, Maris Grove on July 27, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Jean was born in West Chester, PA on January 25th 1932 to Dennis and Agnes O’Connor, (nee Finnegan). Jean grew up on Washington Street in West Chester where a tight knit community bestowed a love and fondness for Washington Street and West Chester that stayed with her throughout her life. Many friends and family members continued to be a part of her life from her days growing up there.

Jean attended St. Agnes School in West Chester from Grade 1 to Grade 12. It was from her Catholic upbringing and time at St. Agnes that her lifetime commitment to faith was developed. Her devotion to her faith was only surpassed by her devotion to her family.

After High school Jean enrolled in the nursing program at Chester County Hospital in 1950. She completed her boards and technical training there in 1952, when a lifetime of caring for others began in earnest. Mom worked at Chester County Hospital before going to Boston General for a year, returning to Chester County Hospital in 1954. Mom always spoke fondly of her time in Boston, taking advantage of every free moment to explore the city and its surrounding points of interest.

Upon returning to West Chester she met the love of her life William (Bill) Van Veen, and the two married in 1955. The two remained inseparable for 49 years until Dad’s passing in 2004.

Bill and Jean had 5 sons, and Mom put off her career for a time to raise her boys, being an active role model in their lives, whether it was her involvement in PTA, school librarian, booster, den mother or our evening teacher. Mom stayed involved and kept us in line. Mom returned to working part time in the late 60’s at Memorial Hospital in Wilmington until it closed in 1985, when she went to the Delaware Division where she worked until her retirement in 1996. Even retirement would not keep her from helping others and Jean returned to the hospital as a volunteer in the various clinics there.

Jean was devout in her faith and an active member of St Agnes, Christ our King, Holy Rosary, Nativity of our Lord and most recently St. Cornelius, helping at church events, school dinners, carnivals, and bazaars and cleaning and decorating the churches for holidays.

Jean and Bill moved to Ann’s choice in Warminster Pa in 2002, where Mom was active in several groups. In 2006 she moved to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, and was a pioneer resident. Mom was  active in several groups including the choir, Bingo, and volunteered at Rose Court visiting friends and residents, helping them with errands, or just bringing comforting conversation. Mom procured a room and started the Maris Grove Treasure Chest, where residents could pick up or donate thrift items for their homes. Developing and working in the Treasure Chest was a true love. From the Treasure Chest she was able to supply many needed items to various charities in the area.

Jean was predeceased by husband Bill Sr., and  sons Stephen and Andy. She is survived by  three sons: Chris, (wife Janice) of Atlanta Georgia, Dennis of Southampton PA ,  Bill Jr, (wife Gwen) of Wilmington DE; by five   grandchildren: Justin, Dagbjort Eva, Kelsi, Stephen, and Alex, and by her great grandson AJ, along with many nieces and nephews, who Mom loved so much.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Maris Grove and Rose Court,  Bayada Nursing, and Willow Tree Hospice for their care of Mom over the past several months, and her many friends at Maris Grove who were there to help mom with chores, errands and spiritual guidance.

A mass celebrating Jean’s life will be held on August 9, 2024 at 11am at St Agnes Church, 233 West Gay Street West Chester PA. Friends and family may visit starting at 10am. Burial to follow after mass at St Agnes Cemetery in West Chester PA.

In lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made in Jean’s name to the following: Maris Grove Resident Care Fund Maris Grove Scholars Fund Send to Maris Grove 200 Maris Grove Way Glen Mills Pa 19342 C/O Sarah Golden Philanthropy Director OR Catholic Charities.