Charlotte “Char” Ann VanderLaan, age 79 of Grand Rapids, went to be with The Lord after a battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Friday, March 07, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick VanderLaan; and parents, Ken and Geraldine Sterling. She is survived by her loving daughters, Sheryl (Ronald) DeSanto, Pamella (Daniel) DeVos, Brenda (Bruce) Thompson; brother, Gerald (Tina) Sterling; sister, Bonnie Johnson; grandchildren, Cassandra DeVos, Alexander DeSanto, Sydney DeVos, Cameron Thompson, Taylor DeSanto, Cole DeVos, Maxwell Thompson; also many nieces and nephews. Char was devoted to her three beautiful daughters and “Nana”, especially cherished her grandchildren. Char’s mother passed down to her a love of flowers particularly roses. A keen gardener, Char kept many varieties of roses at her home and would spend summer days tending to her beautiful flowers. Since a young girl, Char developed a passion for the piano and singing. All who knew her have a favorite memory of Char sitting at the piano and singing. She was a realtor in the Grand Rapids Area for many years. Funeral service will be Saturday 1:00 p.m. at First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Rev. Dr. Phil Johnson officiating. Visitation Thursday 6-8:00 p.m. and Friday 2-4:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Interment Graceland Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The family would love those who have a special “Nana Story” to share it on The Nana’s Run website (www.nanasrun.com), where memorial contributions may also be made.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14.