Terry Z'Nell Vandenberg

Terry Z’Nell (Lam) Vandenberg of Northridge, California went to be with her Lord Jesus on October 22, 2015. She was 69 years young at the time of her unexpected death in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by all of her immediate and loving family.

Terry was born in Vallejo, California in late 1945 to George and Elmyra (Stanton) Lam. A graduate of Cleveland High School, she married Tom Vandenberg in 1965. They were together for 18 years and had three sons. Always a proponent of higher education, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1995 and Master of Arts in 2001 from Cal State Northridge, both in speech communication, all while working full time to support her three children. She later worked as a research scientist at the Veteran’s Administration hospital, studying sleep-related issues among the elderly. Her work continued at the VA until her untimely death.

In 2010, Terry married Harvey Lightstone of Upland, CA. Together, they enjoyed the last seven years laughing, dancing and traveling. They were bright lights in each other's lives.

Terry loved life and richly shared that love with others. She was an elegant and stylish lady whose contagious and friendly laughter warmed the hearts of everyone around her. She enjoyed traveling, water color painting, good wine and spending time with her family and friends.

Terry is survived by her loving husband, Harvey Lightstone; her sister, Cynthia Kelley; her three sons: Thomas Vandenberg of Simi Valley, CA (wife Karen, and son Matthew), Timothy Vandenberg of Apple Valley, CA (wife Elaine, and daughter Faith) and Tyler Vandenberg of Charlotte, NC (wife Missy, and three sons, Jack, Micah and Wesley); and her niece, Katheryn De Leon (husband Reggie).

A graveside service is scheduled for November 7, 10 a.m. at Oakwood Memorial Park (22601 Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 91311), followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at Valley Park Church (16514 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA 91343) and a celebration of life reception at 1:30 p.m. at Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship (6642 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335).