Jeanette Karam Van Delden

Jeanette Karam Van Delden, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend died Friday, April 27, 2018. A native of San Antonio born June 26, 1948, Jeanette attended St. Paul’s Catholic Elementary School and Providence High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1971, and completed a master’s degree in Theology in 1998, both from St. Mary’s University. Jeanette served as the bookkeeper at Consolidated Produce for many years, and later was the bookkeeper at Van Delden Construction. She was a devoted life-long member of St. George Maronite Catholic Church and the Ameleb Club. In past years, she served on the Board of the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, was a member of the Bey Aleph Sorority, a sponsor of the Maronite Youth Organization and a religious education teacher at St. George.

Jeanette was the consummate hostess—her front door was always open for a visit, a meal, or a gathering. She will always be remembered for her famous Christmas parties and for hosting the annual Thanksgiving family reunion for five decades.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband Frank J. Van Delden; her father, Solomon Joseph Karam, Sr.; and her brothers, Solomon Jr, Robert, and Ralphie Karam.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Karam Van Delden and wife Natalie, Darren Karam Van Delden and wife Anna, Azizi Van Delden Wesmiller and husband Matthew, and Robert Karam Van Delden; her step-children, Valerie Van Delden Bryan, Melanie Van Delden, Kimberly Van Delden Voges, and Frank Van Delden, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Ava Bush, Lyla, Violet, Olivia, Lilliana, and Gavin Van Delden, and Chase, Riley, and James Wesmiller. She is also survived by her mother, Azizi Mery Karam, her sister Mary Anne Karam, her brother Patrick Karam and his wife AnnMarie, and her sisters-in-law Ann and Patricia Karam.

Funeral Services for Jeanette Van Delden will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and will take place at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX, 78240. Visitation is from 9:30-10:30 am, the Rosary will begin at 10:30 am, and funeral liturgy will immediately follow.

Memorial donations may be made in Jeanette’s name to the Graduate Theology Program at St. Mary’s University. Checks may be written to St. Mary's University with a memo “To the Graduate Theology Program” and mailed to St. Mary’s University, University Advancement, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228.