83 years and 30 Days

 

On Friday afternoon, Mom joined her siblings and parents in heaven.  She passed quietly and with her family and little dog, Bella, nearby; after fighting many medical challenges throughout her life.  She would like everyone to remember her as strong and tough.

She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, her two sons, their wives; her granddaughter and their child, Grandson and wife and their children; and her niece who was like a daughter to her. 

 She also leaves behind her best friend, Pam and siblings-in-law, and many, many nieces and nephews - almost too many to count but all beloved by her.  She was predeceased by her parents, a newborn son, two nieces, and many siblings-in-law and their spouses.  

She was born in Lynden WA and grew up in Whatcom County and Bellingham with her five siblings; all of whom have passed before her.   She attended Whatcom County and Bellingham Schools then          happily left education behind to marry the love of her life.

She married on December 21st 1957 at the Knox Community Church. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in December, quietly with visits and calls from family and friends.

She held two jobs during her lifetime.  The first working building campers with her brother as her boss.  She took the job to save up to get brand new bikes for her boys, who were young at the time.  She was doing “a man’s job” and she loved it.  She also worked with her daughter-in-law, at a plant nursery, working with seedlings. She loved working, made friends, and saved enough to buy the men in her life heirloom gold chains and was able make many Christmases giant celebrations. 

While she did work occasionally, her full-time job was taking care of her boys, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and any other child that happened along her house; it really didn’t matter if you were a child or grown.  She was the epitome of what a mom should be and you will be hard-pressed to find a better mom.

She will be terribly missed and we know that she will be working in her garden with her family, happy and free.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Simply plant flowers in her memory.  She says they are all her favorites, for all different reasons.

Our deepest thanks go to Hospice of the Northwest. They made the end of her journey so much easier and personal; allowing her to pass at home with her family as she wished.  

*personal info redacted.  I did list everyone's names; even all seven of the great grandchildren. :)