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Anna H. VandeWal
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Anna VandeWal Obituary
CASTLETON - Anna H. VandeWal, age 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Albany in 1926, Anna was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen A. (Smith) Burke. She attended St. John's School in Rensselaer, and graduated from Mildred Elley. In her early years, she modeled for the John G. Myers department store. Anna went on to enjoy a long career with the New York Telephone Company, retiring after 35 years of dedicated service. After retirement, she continued working as a receptionist at Kenwood Convent, Albany.
On July 26, 1947, Anna married the love of her life, Raymond L. VandeWal. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and adventure. Anna especially enjoyed time spent with family during holidays, camping trips to Lake George RV and Cape Cod, and visiting casinos. Anna was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Columbiettes, where she enjoyed friendship, faith, and service to others.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Suzanne (Robert) Bohen; cherished grandsons, Michael and Marc Bohen; and her sister-in-law, Katherine Burke. Anna is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Anna was predeceased by her husband, Raymond L. VandeWal; and her brothers, Charles Burke and Gerald Burke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, 54 Herrick St., Rensselaer. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the Mass at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Anna's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany Shaker Rd., Latham, N.Y. 12110. Online condolences may be offered at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
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