Marie L Vance

Marie L (Communeau) Vance, 97, passed away peacefully on May 10th 2020 at Lutheran Life Villages Kendallville.  She was born on October 11th 1922 in Rheim, France to Gaston and Mathilde Libersa.  

She completed her college degree in France, majoring in education.  During World War 2 she was a valuable member of the United States Army acting as a translator and interpreter for the Allied Forces.  During this time as an interpreter, she found the love of her life Glenn Vance. She moved to the United States with Glenn after WW2 ended.  The two wed on February 28th, 1946 in Fort Wayne.  Upon moving to the United States, Marie found employment as a foreign language teacher at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.  Marie’s hobbies included gardening, crocheting and knitting.

Marie is survived by her son Albert (Dixie) Vance of Albion, daughter Michele Hicks of Angola, grandsons Marc Vance and Patrick Hicks, granddaughter Veronica Johnson, 6 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister and 3 brothers.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn Vance, son Philip Vance, daughters Colette Vance, Collen Vance and Gisele Vance.

Due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns, the family has requested to have private services. A committal service will be 2:00pm Thursday May 14, 2020 a St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Avilla.  Chaplain Pete Meneghello will officiate. Friends are welcome to attend the committal service, but the family has asked they stay in or near their vehicles in observance of social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributes may be made to St Mary’s Catholic School in Avilla.  To leave online condolences or sign the guestbook, visit http://www.harperfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements by Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.

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