Madeleine P Van Hamm, 89, of Stockton, died Dec. 26, 2015 at her home. Madeleine was born in Moerbke, East Flanders Belgium on Jan. 24, 1926 to Benoit and Bertha (DeSchryver) Van Hove. She graduated from Lokeren, Belgium High School with High Honors at age 16 in 1942 and spoke four languages: Flemish French, English and German. After graduation she worked as a private secretary in the Commerce District of Brussels. During the liberation she worked as a translator for the RAOC British Army of the Rhine, where she met her husband August Van Hamme. They married on April 12, 1947, he died in 1996. They came to America in May of 1948. During the years they farmed and she worked at Attwood's in Stockton. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and loved knitting, crocheting and sewing for all of them. Along with her husband they built their last home in Stockton and they traveled throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas and of course through Europe many times. She also loved poetry and writing, having many stories published in the Gazette of Detroit MI, a Belgium Paper. She also loved going to the Casino with her many friends. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton.

She is survived by four children, Lillian (Gary) Townsend, Robert (Jane) Van Hamme, of Stockton, Cindy (Tom) Sigafus of Monroe WI and Tim Van Hamme of Bradenton FL.

Nine Grandchildren: Scott (Joann) Townsend, Freeport, Nicole (Scott) Cook of Port Washington WI., Alex Van Hamme of St Louis, Erica (Jared) Wagner of Thornton Co,. Shawn (Kathy) Sigafus, New Glarus WI. Ben (special friend Margie) of Madison WI. Jackie (Michael) Garchie, Orangeville Il., Kaitlan and Madeleine Van Hamme of Freeport. Step grandchildren Michele (special friend Matt Weiand) Carroll, Surprise AZ and Jacob (Minh) Carroll of Portland OR.

Nine Great Grand Children Ashley, Anthony Townsend, Lillie, Madalyn, Ben Cook, Trent and Tyra Sigafus, Alyana Hellig Christy, Leighton Garchie and Warren Carroll.

She is also survived by one brother Lucien (Annie) Van Hove, St Truiden Belgium

Cremation rites were performed at Walker Mortuary, Freeport.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday January 2, 2016 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Stockton at 10:30 AM with Father Mike Morrisy officiating. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Stockton. A luncheon following at the church hall.