JANET RUTH DEWAAL

Janet Ruth DeWaal (Vander Zee)—known to everyone as Janet DeWaal—passed peacefully in Laredo, Texas, after a long journey with Alzheimer's on January 4, 2026. She was 88. Janet was born December 1, 1937, in Rochester, New York, and she lived a life that was both grounded and remarkably wide: many homes, many communities, and a long trail of people who felt steadier because she showed up.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Sidney DeWaal; her parents, Leonard and Betty Vander Zee; and her sister, Neva Evenhouse. She is survived by her children, CJ DeWaal and Amy Mattoon (spouse Eric); five grandchildren; and her siblings, Bonnie Houstra, Len Vander Zee, and John Vander Zee.

Janet met Sidney in Cleveland, Ohio, working at the same school. Their marriage was a long partnership of faith and purpose— two people who believed that education mattered, that service mattered, and that love was proven in the ordinary, daily choices. One of Janet's most treasured traditions was Thanksgiving fondue, a meal that turned into a kind of family shorthand for togetherness: gather close, slow down, talk, laugh, and make room for one more.

Janet's education reflected her determination to help well. She earned degrees in education, applied behavioral science, and counseling, and belonged to professional and service organizations focused on counseling, psychology, and family well- being. But her real résumé was the people she advocated for. Janet was known for social justice and child advocacy work in Edmonton, Alberta—supporting laws and systems meant to protect children and strengthen families. In later years, she continued to serve through volunteer leadership, long-term care advocacy, and church outreach.

Her faith was central throughout her life in the Christian Reformed tradition. Janet returned often to the Book of Psalms, and it's fitting that one verse captures the steadiness she carried: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

Janet was strong, practical, and devoted—an educator and counselor with a backbone. She was also tall, and once you noticed that, you noticed everything else: how she listened, how she decided, how she protected people who needed protecting. She had a phrase—"Oh come on"—that could mean a dozen things, but usually meant, "You can do this," or "Tell the truth," or "Let's not pretend we don't know what's right."
She loved painting and taking photographs, morning coffee, and snorkeling—especially in the Caribbean and Maui. She even acquired a neighborhood nickname in Laredo: "the white lady who drives too fast," which made her laugh because it was, in its own way, perfectly accurate.

Janet retired in 2018 and cared for Sidney through his Alzheimer's journey—an act of love that defined her. The family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness of the nurses and staff at La Frontera Nursing and Rehabilitation and Nurses on Wheels Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Hernandez, Lopez and Sons Funeral Chapel, 900 Boston St. and San Bernardo Ave. from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 16, 2026. A Prayer Service will begin at 11:00 am with Len Vander Zee and John Vander Zee officiating. Committal Service and interment will follow at the City of Laredo Cemetery on Friday January 16, 2026 at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.