Doris E. Vander Putten

Vander Putten, Doris Elizabeth Age 81, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013. She was born April 19, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY to Frederick and Elizabeth Zwirz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert James Vander Putten. Before retiring to Rio Rancho in 1994, Doris and Bob called San Francisco and San Jose, CA home for 41 years. Doris quickly began building her career in regional community theater in San Francisco starting with The Lamplighters. Vowing to one day play a lead role on stage, she continued her quest in 1967, after moving to San Jose, joining the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of San Jose (Lyric Theatre), appearing frequently in the lead contralto roles. She shared other memorable performances with West Valley Light Opera, Saratoga Drama Group (South Bay Musical Theatre), Sunnyvale Players and West Bay Opera, solidifying her reputation as a premier musical/dramatic actress. Doris� off-stage work was spent mostly in the area of customer service representative for several businesses in the bay area, the last of these with Shea Homes. Upon her arrival in New Mexico, Doris jumped right into volunteer work at Lovelace Westside, eventually becoming the smiling �Queen of the Welcome Center,� logging over 4000 volunteer hrs. She always managed to work in a story or two about her beloved partners at the Welcome desk. She loved working there!! She was equally proud of her participation in the choirs of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Doris leaves behind her adoring children: Barbara Vander Putten (Trish Sliter), Laurie Loken (Paul), Martha Moss (Jeff) and Robert as well as her three beautiful grand-daughters, Stephanie, Andrea and Barbara Marie. A Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and a Rosary will be recited at 4:00 pm at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 2400 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 23, 2013 at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Diabetes Association. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192