Surrounded by her family, Dora Martha Vanderlaan, 96, peacefully journeyed to meet her Maker at the home of her son on June 20, 2015 in Tampa, FL. Services will take place at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 904 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL on June 25, 2015. Pastor Debbie Salinger will officiate and Bill Arthur will provide the music. Viewing and a light lunch will begin at 11:00 AM with the memorial service at 12:00 noon. Following the funeral, burial will take place in Dade City at the Chapel Hill Gardens. Pallbearers will be Eric Vanderlaan, Michael Twisdale, Joseph Basco, Daniel Beckner and Omar Canas. Hodges Family Funeral home of Dade City is in charge of arrangements. Dora was born in Norwich, New York on February 22, 1919, eldest child of King Hiram and Hazel (Livermore) Letson. After graduating from Norwich High School, she worked several years at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company. Dora married Alfred P. Vanderlaan on June 13, 1942. They raised their 2 sons, Alfred and David, on their dairy farm near North Norwich, NY, selling grade milk to Sealtest Foods. Dora kept a neat home, cooked good meals for her boys without recipes, grew a big garden and beautiful flowers with the help of her green thumb, and canned as much produce as she could. In later years, Dora loved watching old movies, particularly old Westerns. In 1973 Alfred and Dora retired to Zephyrhills, Florida where they resided until Alfreds death in 1991. Dora continued to live in Zephyrhills until moving to the Gulf Coast apartments in Tampa in 2011. She was a member of the Forest Hills United Methodist Church. In November, 2014, following illnesses, hospitals and rehab center stays, she moved in with her son, David, who took care of her with the help of his wife, Donna. Dora leaves to mourn her passing her 2 sons, Alfred (Elaine) Vanderlaan of Watertown, SD; David (Donna) Vanderlaan of Tampa, FL; her brother, Del (Ruth) Letson of Rochester, NY; her sister, Hazel Paddock of Chittenango, NY ; sister-in-laws, Barb Letson of Plant City, FL; Helen Frink of Rochester, NY; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, grandson Christopher, great grandson, Tanner, 1 brother, 5 sisters, 7 brother-in-laws, and 2 sister-in-laws. Memorials can be designated to the Forest Hills United Methodist Church of Tampa.located at 904 Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, Florida 33612