Carole Mae (Cyr) Vanden Heuvel

On July 24, the family of Carole Vanden Heuvel lost the kindest person they have ever known.  After 89 years of putting the needs of others before her own, Carole passed away surrounded by her loving family. 

Carole was born on March 26, 1935, the daughter of Harry and Bernice Cyr.  She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and St. Mary’s High School in Menasha, graduating in 1953.

After high school, Carole worked as a receptionist at the Bergstrom Paper Company and it was there that she met her future husband, Roger “Trippi” Vanden Heuvel.  They were married on November 28, 1959, and established their home on Fillmore Street in Kaukauna in the years that followed.  They enjoyed over 42 years together until Roger’s passing in 2002.

Carole loved her family dearly, and she was always available to listen patiently or offer insightful, calming advice.  She played a central role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Carole made numerous long-lasting friendships and touched countless lives.  Her wide circle of friends included former classmates, neighbors, co-workers from Sears, relatives and the wonderful staff and residents at Brewster Village in Appleton.

Carole enjoyed the simple things in life: trips to the cabin, drives in her car, collecting antiques and playing cards.  She was a voracious reader, reading up to three books monthly until her final days.  In her later years, she found great joy in her weekend outings in the van with her son to Tom’s Drive-In and local parks to watch the wildlife.

Carole is survived by her son, Matt Vanden Heuvel (Gina), and his children Michael and Sarah; her son Ben Vanden Heuvel, and his children Brandon and Donald; and her daughter Sheila Vetrone (Bernie), and her children Tyler, Abby, Emma and Max.  Carole is also survived by sisters-in-law, Priscilla Vanden Heuvel, Nancy Vanden Heuvel and Ellen Hammen.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bernice; her sister, Kathleen “Babe” Boreson; brothers-in-law, Albert “Ducky” Boreson, Harold Vanden Heuvel, Roman Vanden Heuvel, Merle Vandenberg, Ben Vanden Heuvel, Gus Vanden Heuvel, Noel Vanden Heuvel; sisters-in-law, Marian Vanden Heuvel, Marge Vanden Heuvel and Jayne Vandenberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass.  Carole will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery, Little Chute after the services. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.