Word has been receive of the death of Jean Vittum, who with her husband Dave served in the Central African Repubic and the Phillipines. Below is a post sent by Dave to friends and family.
After a courageous 27 month battle with primary peritoneal cancer, my soul-mate of 49 years was promoted to her Heavenly Home on May 14. Since April 15 (2015) the two of us have been living at a hospice facility (The House of John) in Clifton Springs, NY – the village that neighbors our home town.
Many of you have followed Jean’s narrative on Caring Bridge. If not you can take a look there http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeanvittum/journal to see the history of this journey. Jean fought this cancer bravely and aggressively. In addition, via her beautifully written Caring Bridge journal entries, she was a powerful evangelist who consistently shared her unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus Christ.
Two of our very favorite Bible teachers (Dr. Bob Crowe – our primary mentor early in our Christian walk; and Pastor Ray Torrey – our current pastor) recently reminded both of us that it was Jesus personally Who came to take Jean to heaven. Not an angel; not a surrogate; not a heavenly taxi driver; not a guide. It was Jesus Himself (according to John 14:3). Now THAT is an Escort!
There will be no calling hours or funeral. Our church – Calvary Chapel Seneca Falls (NY) – will hold a memorial service in a few weeks honoring Jean’s life and ministry. Her first cousin Pastor Scott Van Kirk will lead the service. (Pastor Ray, Pastor Scott, and I are the three pastors at CCSF). Jean desired that any memorial donations to go to The American Cancer Society, to Calvary Chapel Seneca Falls (2291 Rout 89, Seneca Falls, NY 13148) or to the House of John (14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs, NY 14432). Jean will be cremated and interred in Arlington National Cemetery with me when it is my time to Graduate.
Thanks for all the wonderful love you have expressed and the encouragement you have been to us through this journey. I love you all. The journey is not ending – it is just transitioning to a new phase.
Dave Vittum
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1 Corinthians 15:54-55 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?