It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Marie Vanko most recently of Holland, Michigan. Born February 24, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois passed July 7, 2026. Survived by brother Thomas Vanko, loving sister-in-law Gail Vanko, Nephews Christopher and Andrew Vanko (twins), Ryan Douka and Niece Alison Douka. Mother and Grandmother figure, affectionately known as C.G. to Christine / David, Forrest and Willow Kern. Dear friends to Jim / Eliane Oneyear, Ruslan Karosanidze, Tamara / Todd and Henry Gordon, Jeff / Brenda Crisp, Matt / Lori Nowak, Eddie / Rachel England and
Jeff / Pam King. Preceded in death by parents Robert and Jean Vanko, Brother Joseph Vanko and Sister Jane Douka.
The Vanko family moved from the Southside of Chicago to Countryside IL where Alice attended Lyons Township High School graduating in 1975, She went on to be a Court Reporter in Kalamazoo, Michigan and from there a long career with Putnam Publishing which brought her back to Chicago. She also worked for many years in International Banking for HSBC located in Arlington Heights, IL while earning a Marketing Degree from DePaul University Driehaus College of Business. She graduated in 2017 Summa Cum Laude.
As much as she loved her home in Elmwood Park IL (which she bought on her own at age, 35) her dream was to move back to Michigan. She relocated in 2022 and loved everything in Michigan. The local Farmers Market was a must-do to support her love for gourmet cooking, she was also known to spend a lazy day at the beach, and we must mention her love for shopping.
Over the years her many travels took her to France, Poland and 48 of the 50 United States.
Alice had a hearty laugh and was most certainly the life of the party. She was cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held July 14, 2026, at Mulder Chapel 188 32nd Street Holland MI
Visitation 10:00-10:45 and a funeral service at 11:00. Rev. Dan Clark, presiding.
A delayed graveside will be held at 3:30, at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery 7671 Red Arrow Highway
Watervliet MI.
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