Christie Ann Van Looy Obituary
Christie Van Looy, a dedicated healthcare professional and compassionate volunteer, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, in her home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born on October 30, 1941, Christie led a life marked by selfless service, boundless adventures, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Christie's legacy is one of kindness, bravery, and a deep commitment to helping others. She is survived by her loving family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched through her remarkable career in healthcare.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter Stacey Kelly (Michael); her best friend and sister Sally and caring brother-in-law Chuck Hubbard; her brother Steve; and cherished granddaughters, Maia Ashwood and Blythe Kelly. She was preceded in death by her son Scott Van Looy; husband Edward McDuffie; brother Jon; and her parents, Rena and Fredrick Thorsen. Christie's career in healthcare began as an LPN and later a registered nurse, where her caring nature and medical skills brought comfort to countless patients.
In her fifties, her desire to broaden her impact led her to attend the University of North Dakota to become a physician's assistant, a role in which she continued to provide exceptional care to patients throughout the United States until her retirement well into her seventies. Beyond her professional achievements, in her younger years, Christie served her community as a volunteer firefighter. She bravely faced dangers to protect and serve her neighbors, demonstrating courage and altruism in the most challenging circumstances.
Christie was known for her love of animals, especially her beloved dogs. An avid reader, Christie found solace and joy in books, often losing herself in the pages of her favorite novels. She especially loved anything written by Stuart Woods. Her love of music and the arts was seen through her attendance at numerous concerts and plays over the years. Christie was talented at many things including knitting and sewing and often made gifts for her family. She also enjoyed cooking for loved ones, and she was known for her mouth-watering zucchini bread and homemade lasagna.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo where she attended each Sunday with her sister Sally. When Christie was younger, she could be found at her family cabin on Wart Lake in Canada where she enjoyed boating and nature. There were many true adventures throughout her life, including flying planes as a private pilot, driving her motorcycle, canoeing throughout Michigan, and fun-filled cross-country road trips with family. In her final years, Christie was cared for by her loving sister Sally and brother-in-law Chuck.
Christie Van Looy's life was a beacon of service, compassion, and adventure. Her memory will forever inspire those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.
