On Sunday, September 12, Charmaine Rae Vandermyde Stegenga went to rest with God. She was 86 years old

She is survived by her loving husband Rev. Henry Stegenga of Newport News, VA and her children Karl (Priscilla) Stegenga of Falls Church, Virginia; Lynn (Bear)Watkins of Newport News; Matt (Kristin) Stegenga of Overland Park, KS; and Kurt (Judy) Stegenga of Swampscott, MA; and her sister Cynthia (Robert) Warn of Janesville, WI, Charmaine is also survived by her grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Charmaine was born in Evergreen Park, IL on May 25 ^th , 1935, and graduated from Fenger High School. She married Henry after graduating from Hope College in 1956, and taught high school biology while Henry was finishing Seminary. Henry and Char then traveled to a mission field in Chiapas, Mexico, where they spent nearly 20 years working with descendants of the Maya people. Their children remain eternally grateful for the opportunity to have had such a unique and enjoyable childhood moving between three cultures. After returning to the United States, Charmaine taught English as a Second Language in the Holland Public Schools. Charmaine was an accomplished pianist who taught piano and played for her church. Char also enjoyed preparing and sharing Mexican and Ch'ol meals for family and friends.

Due to current pandemic conditions there will be no public funeral at this time. A memorial will be scheduled in the coming months when concerns have abated. W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home will be hosting a memorial page where friends are encouraged to share condolences and good memories. Friends and family will be contacted as plans for a memorial develop. The family requests that you hold all gifts and flowers until that time.