Caren C. Van Vleck

Caren C. Van Vleck passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Caren was the daughter of Aubrey E. Cadle and Catherine (Shroyer) Cadle, of Chevy Chase, Maryland. She leaves her husband of 57 years, Dr. Richard Van Vleck, of Dayton, Ohio and the love of her life, their daughter, Dr. Jenifer Van Vleck, of Arlington, Virginia. She also leaves her brother, Todd Cadle, and his wife, Beverly, of St. Cloud, Florida. And of course, her best furry friend, Oscar Mayer Van Vleck. Oscar is the last in a long line of kitties that Caren adopted, beginning 55 years ago with “Dr. Zhivago,” a gift from Richard.

Caren was born in Washington, D.C. She and Richard moved to Dayton in 1973, shortly before Jenifer was born. Caren loved their house in the woods because of its serene natural landscape and all the animals that called it home. She was happiest when outside, working in her gardens. The City of Centerville Beautification Award acknowledged her skills as a gardener multiple times.

As a young woman, Caren changed the spelling of her first name, originally “Karen.” That change beautifully reflected her personality, as care was the heart of everything she did: as a wife, a mother, an animal lover, a gardener. Caren’s green thumb—and her compassion for all living beings—will be missed. Her legacy lives on in the gardens she created and the lives she touched.

As per Caren’s wishes, she will be cremated, and there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, by visiting the link below.

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