Jeanette TeVelde
Jeanette Nellie TeVelde from Lynden passed away on Thursday, March 24 from complications of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 64 years old.
Jeanette was born on May 9, 1957, in La Mesa, CA to Ed and Edna Brower. She grew up in Escondido, CA, on a family dairy farm. She graduated from Dordt College in 1980.
Jeanette married Duane TeVelde, of Lynden, on December 28, 1982, in Escondido. They made their home in Lynden. She taught second grade at Lynden Christian from 1980-1984 and then stayed home to raise their family and help Duane on the family farm.
In 1994, Duane and Jeanette moved their family to Sumas where they continued their dairy farming career. She went back to teaching in 2005 at Providence Christian School and retired in June 2016.
Jeanette was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was involved in church activities, including singing in the choir and as a girls group leader.
Jeanette was a dedicated teacher to her young students. She taught lower elementary classes as well as serving as school principal for a few years. She also enjoyed camping, crafting, family time at home, and visiting relatives in California.
Jeanette walked closely with Jesus and her Christian faith was the motivation for all she accomplished.
Jeanette is survived by her loving husband Duane, son Matthew and his wife Sarah of Ferndale; daughter Teresa of Puyallup; and son Steven and his wife Kara of Abbotsford, BC; and grandchildren Reuben, Judah, Lydia, Isla, Madison, Tyson, and Hudson.
Jeanette is also survived by her father, Ed Brower, and siblings John and Rita Brower, Linda and Duane Koonce, Margaret and Keith Haveman, Carol and Mike Hillebrecht, Ed and Jennifer Brower, Irene and Joel Hooyer, and Henry and Frances Brower, and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her mother Edna Brower and brother Gerrit Brower.
A private graveside service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 8, at 2 p.m. at Faith Community Church in Lynden. In remembrance of Jeanette, donations can be made to Providence Christian School, 5950 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
