Alberta Jean VanderWaals

East Lansing

Age 83, born August 13, 1927 in Rosebush, MI to George and Vivian Smith, passed away February 20, 2011. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Peter L. VanderWaals; son, Thomas; her parents and four siblings. She retired from Burcham Hills Retirement Community after 14 years. Jean enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandson. She continued to be a big supporter of her husband’s band The Sounds of Swing. Jean was also a big MSU fan.

Jean is survived by her children, Peter M. (Ruth) VanderWaals, Jr., Debbie (Dean) Aronson; grandson, Donny VanderWaals; brother, Charles Smith; sister, Vivian Rapalje and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 24, 11:30 a.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing with Rev. Karen Gale of Edgewood United Church officiating. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to Special Olympics, Michigan Area 8, 2901 Wabash Rd., Lansing, MI 48910 or the American Lung Association, 403 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 in memory of Mrs. VanderWaals. On line condolences may be made to www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com