Florence "Fern" Vandervort- Cappello
May 31, 2014
Florence “Fern” Vandervort-Cappello was born in Philadelphia, PA, May 26, 1929, to Benjamin and Florence (Simpkins) Johnston. She married and moved to Des Moines, IA where she lived the rest of her life. She worked for Iowa Methodist Hospital Day Care, Central Tractor, Co., and Food Saver Bakery. She had been part owner of Crab Tree Lake in Baxter, Iowa and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 449. Florence had a special bond with her granddaughter, Tracy I. (Jerry) Merkle who took exceptional care of her. She enjoyed traveling, camping, and her dog, Casey.
Florence passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 85 years old.
Florence is survived by son, Robert R. (Diana) Vandervort of Des Moines; sister, Evelyn Sparber of Linesville, PA; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert E. Vandervort and Peter P. Cappello; and daughter, Linda L. Fisher.
Services will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Family will begin greeting friends at 12:00 p.m., with funeral service to start at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in Florence’s memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Autumn
06/03/2014
You taught me so much about life. Even though I moved away, we still kept in touch. I loved your feisty attitude and how you took Bingo so seriously. I remember never being able to talk to you, because you were concentrating so hard on your 3 cards! You were an amazing lady and I am happy that I had the pleasure to meet you. Watch over us all, Lord knows I will need it to stay out of trouble. Let's be honest, you got in your fair share of trouble. ;)
Love you.