Rachael Ann Vandewal

Rachael was born September 10, 1968, to Michael and Cynthia (Morrow) Thomas in Muskegon, Michigan where she spent her young life. She graduated from Orchard View High School in 1986. Rachael then attended Hope College in Holland, MI studying chemistry was, as if from a fantasy story, she met and married Steven Van De Wal in 1991. Their Son Charles came into their lives in 2006 and Rachael devoted her heart and time to be the best mother and wife to her family. She was an exemplary mother and wife, an outstanding baker, a talented lover of crafting/sewing/needlepoint, and boundless love and worship of the Lord. Her ready laugh, raucous wit, and wonderful sense of humor never failed to engage those around her and will be deeply missed. Huzzah!

“And now for something completely different” Monty Python

Rachael is survived by: her husband of thirty years, Steven Van De Wal; son, Charles Van De Wal; Mother, Cynthia (Morrow) Thomas; Father- and Mother-in-law, Arthur and Dorothy (Fishlinger) Van De Wal; Siblings, Greg (Helen) Thomas, Andrea (Gordon) Peters; Brothers-in-law, Timothy (Ann) VanAltena, Matthew (Tiffany) Van De Wal. Also many nephews, nieces, extended family, and special friends.

Rachael was preceded in death by her father, Michael Thomas.