Marlene (Bajema) DeGroot went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. She was a faithful servant who greeted everyone she saw with a radiant smile.
Born on Dec. 2, 1943, in Everett, Marlene was the daughter of Ted and Alice Bajema. She cherished her siblings Jeannine Kleindel, Bill Bajema, Elaine Pasma, and her twin sister Marcia Broersma. After finishing high school, she went on to study at Bellingham Business College. She later worked as an office manager and bookkeeper in the medical field.
On Dec. 27, 1963, Marlene and Jay DeGroot were married in a double wedding in Lynden, alongside her twin sister Marcia and Dennis Broersma. Jay and Marlene loved boating in the San Juans and taking cross-country trips with friends. She took great joy in attending her grandchildren’s events and was very proud of their achievements. Upon retiring, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Rehobeth Christian School, World Relief, the 2nd Chance Thrift Store and the Lynden Chamber. Among her many hobbies were knitting, reading, hosting friends and family, and playing pickleball. Marlene mastered strawberry pie and became a family favorite looked forward to each summer.
Marlene is survived by her husband Jay DeGroot, her children Carla Otter (Ken), Sheila Tremaine (Ladd), and Vonda VanderYacht (David), along with her grandchildren Dirk Otter (Meg), Dylan Otter (Ashley), Morgan Lagerwey (Michael), Abigail Nelson (Jacob), Tyler Tremaine, (Natalie), Cody Tremaine (Lily), Bryce VanderYacht (Katie), TJ VanderYacht, and Brenna VanderYacht; and 13 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her G-G Mar. She was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings.
Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice at whatcomhospice.org or Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation at nwpf.org. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Whatcom Hospice for their compassionate care in Marlene’s final weeks.
Marlene’s memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Sonlight Church on Bender Road, Lynden. A private family graveside service will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling the funeral arrangements.
Marlene had some favorite sayings like “let go, let God,” “this too shall pass,” “I have the best son-in-laws,” and “just do your best, that’s all God expects.” She also ended her calls and visits with her daughters by saying “I love you more.” Indeed, Marlene loved us all very well.
