Tina VanderWaal

Tina Marie VanderWaal, of Fripp Island, South Carolina, passed peacefully into the Lord's hands on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 53.
Tina was a woman of extraordinary creativity, kindness, and love. She brought beauty into the world through her art, her jewelry, and her gentle spirit. Whether she was crafting something by hand, teaching others to discover their own creative spark, or making family moments unforgettable, Tina poured her heart into everything she did.
A true creative force, Tina had an uncanny ability to transform any design or idea into a stunning, original work of art. Her professional journey always reflected that creative flair - from jewelry design to glasswork - culminating in the creation of her own Waal Studio, where she specialized in customized fine silver jewelry.
But above all, Tina's greatest masterpiece was the love she shared with her family. She was truly the heart of the family - strong, kind, and full of light. She had this incredible way of making everyone around her feel loved and valued. Her laugh could fill a room, and her warmth made every place feel like home.
Every birthday, every holiday, and every ordinary day was a reason for her to bring joy, warmth, and laughter to those around her. Her boundless energy for celebrating life turned simple moments into cherished memories.
Though her 17-month battle with cancer was long and difficult, Tina faced every day with courage, grace, and positivity - always thinking of others, always shining her light. She was an inspiration to thousands of cancer patients everywhere, with her positive, upbeat TikTok videos under the user name of @my.messy.beautiful.life.
Tina is survived by her devoted husband of 27 years, David, and their beloved children - Jakob VanderWaal, an accomplished woodworker; Olivia Patterson VanderWaal, a compassionate nurse; and Grace VanderWaal, a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress. Watching them grow into the remarkable individuals they've become was her greatest pride and joy.
A small celebration of Tina's life will be held at a future date on Fripp Island, where family and friends will gather to share memories and stories of this remarkable woman whose light continues to shine in all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Tina's memory are invited to make a donation in her name to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation at https://tnbcfoundation.org/support-us/donate.
Thank you for helping us keep her spirit alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.