Obituary of Lucille Bertelle Van

Lucille Bertelle Van Lucille Bertelle (Brown) Van died Sunday, April 19, 2020 at Heartland Manor Care in Canton, Michigan. She was 97. Born March 21, 1923 in Hillman, Michigan, Lucille was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. As a teenager at LaSalle High School she acquired the skills necessary to operate a switchboard. During World War II, and for many years after, she was employed by Michigan Bell in Detroit. She went on to supervisory positions in telecommunications at American Motors and Chrysler Corporation until her retirement. Lucille is remembered for her humor and quiet generosity. For decades, her parents Ada Bell Brown (1900-1995) and Cole Richard Brown (1898-1974) lived with and were supported by her. She also cared for her sister-in-law, Irene Brown. While she had no children of her own, she doted on her many nieces and nephewsnot just at holidays and birthdaysbut because she loved giving. She truly set a wonderful example for all of us to follow. Lucille is survived by her sisters-in-law Elsie H. Brown, Sharen (Mose) Brown, eight nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews, ten grand nieces and nephews and one great-grand niece. A memorial service and interment will be held at Grand Lawn Cemetery later this spring or summer as public health permits.