Georgianna Van Iseghem

Georgianna Van Iseghem (nee Hood), of Chesterfield, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020 just two weeks shy of her 84^th birthday.  Loving wife of the late James Van Iseghem, Sr.; beloved daughter of the late Raymond and Kathyrn Hood; devoted mother of Jim Van Iseghem, Jr., Mary (Phil) Cordes, Margie (Larry) Evans, Melanie (Mike) Oldani, Theresa Van Iseghem, Randy (Maureen) Van Iseghem and the late Elizabeth DeCaro; cherished grandmother of 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; dear sister of Toni Byrd; and sister-in-law, Peggy Hood. Georgianna is also preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Hood. She has also served as a surrogate mother to countless individuals across the country, those whom she loved as dearly as she did her own children.

Georgianna lived her life courageously and with an infinite amount of faith.  From a young age, she sought solace in the church, traveling via city bus to different churches across the city and county.  She raised her family in the catholic faith, sending all seven of her children to St. Kevin’s Grade School and parish.  She was an active in her faith, teaching Sunday school, holding prayer groups in her home, and volunteering as a mentor for young catholic families.

Independent by nature, Georgianna worked alongside her husband within their family businesses, including Van’s Food and Liquor, Van’s Deli, the Clayton Deli Garden, the Bridgeton Carrolton Club, and the TWA food services.  She tirelessly devoted herself to the care of others and raised her family to do the same.  Eventually, she started her own business, Catering By Georgianna where, for 25 years, she independently owned and operated the company, relying upon her trusted family and loyal employees.  No job was too big or too small for Georgianna.  With each offering, she found ways to personalize her delivery ensuring each customer walked away satisfied.  Indeed, she is still well known across this city and county for the fresh food and inviting atmosphere of her business and home.

Georgianna’s greatest love was her family and, after retirement, found solace in the comforts of family gatherings.  She always found time for a fresh cup of coffee and would never pass down an opportunity to gather with those she loved.  She was known for her gracious demeanor, welcoming home, and fully stocked fridge.  And of course, for her ability to turn even the smallest of events into a full-fledged party with an abundance of food.  Socially, she had a strong network of friends and loved to play Bridge and travel.  She will be dearly missed by each and every person who knew her.

She is a true example of a life well lived.  Georgianna believed she was the wealthiest woman on the planet and found her riches from the love by which she was surrounded.  It might seem that, in her absence, this life is a little bit smaller.  And yet, by the nature of her loving spirit and lasting impressions, she has touched each one of us so intimately and deeply that we are forever changed.  In that way, her spirit lives on forever.

In respect for her love of family, we ask that any memorials made in Georgianna's name are offered to support the advancement of research for appendix cancer, which intimately impacts our family.  Appendix Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation (ACPMP).