Bertha Dotinga, of Lynden, went home to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the age of 95.
Bertha was born on Oct. 28, 1919, to Eise and Tryntje Leenstra in Terzool, Friesland. She often spoke of fond memories growing up with her four siblings, biking, ice skating and enjoying wonderful goodies made in her father’s bakery. After World War II on July 10, 1947, she married Thomas Dotinga and after their first child was born and while she was pregnant with the second, they immigrated by boat to Alberta, Canada, in 1949. Five more children were added and there with some tough, challenging years including at one point living in a chicken coop. In 1961, the family moved to Ontario, California, and Bertha loved those years enjoying the warm, prevailing sunshine. Another change was made in 1967, when they moved to Lynden to begin dairy farming. They stayed on the farm until 1982. During those years, she enjoyed seeing all her children marry and delighted in the addition of many grandchildren. In 1982, Tom and Bertha moved into a home they had built in town and together shared years of gardening, traveling — including trips in their fifth-wheel — and, of course, countless family gatherings.
Bertha was gifted in many areas and very willing to share those gifts. She enthusiastically participated in numerous Bible studies, loved singing in choir and playing the organ, was very hospitable, opening her home to family and friends through the years, and many of us hold dear the gifts of baby blankets, sweaters and booties lovingly crocheted whenever there was news of a new baby’s pending arrival.
Bertha was small in stature but strong-spirited and great in her love for the Lord. Her faith carried her through many life experiences, good and bad, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and humor for which we, her family, will always be grateful.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, in 1997; and daughter-in-law Thelene in 2007.
She is survived by her children, Bill Dotinga of Escalon, California, Sid Dotinga, Cathy (Arnie) Blankers, Barb (Brent) Matter, Hilda (Ron) Wagter, all of Lynden, and Glenda (Kevin) Kok of La Conner; 22 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and several of Tom’s brothers and sisters who were very dear to her, especially having left all her own family behind in the Netherlands.
We want to thank all of the staff at Lynden Manor who so lovingly cared for Mom for the last five years. Many of the staff and residents have shared with us how special she was and how much she will be missed.
A graveside committal honoring Bertha was held at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service in Faith Community Church, 586 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden, WA 98264. Memorials may be sent to Faith Community Church or Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
