Norma Van Beek

  Norma Ann Van Beek, age 87, was taken to her loving heavenly father on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. A daughter of John and Trena (Huisken) Brink, Norma was born in Edgerton, Minnesota, on Nov. 21, 1928.
  Norma graduated from Western Christian High School and went on to the nursing program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning her LPN license. After working at a hospital there, she met and eventually married Chuck Van Beek on Sept. 3, 1953, in Edgerton. Chuck was in the U.S. Navy and his service led them to live in Virginia, New Jersey and then California. Once they started their family, Norma gave up her nursing career for a time to stay home and raise her family. Norma loved to travel and they took their young family on cross-country adventures that are fondly remembered.
  She is remembered for her freshly baked cookies and famous strawberry freezer jam. Her house was known for being active whether playing board games, planting flowers in her garden or the many friends that stopped by. She had that special touch of caregiving and making everyone feel special. Norma loved being a grandmother and took great delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Later in life, Norma and Chuck liked to travel with Tulip Tours and internationally. They also enjoyed their motorhome, taking excursions with family and friends. Norma continued caregiving professionally and then after retiring, continued to call on people. She was a member at Third Christian Reformed Church, active in the prayer group and Ladies Aid, among others. She was a familiar face to those at the Christian Health Care Center as she regularly visited many people there.
  Norma is survived by her children, Glenn (Cindy) Van Beek of Sacramento, California, Sharon Rozeboom of Bellingham, Tom (Anita) Van Beek of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tim Van Beek of Seattle; grandchildren Tanya (Geoff), Leesha, Erik (Bri), Michael (fiancé Anne), Shannalee, Christy and Jordan; great-grandchildren Zachary, Alexander and another one due in August; brother Bob Brink of Maryland; and numerous other relatives.
  In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband of more than 53 years, Chuck; an infant daughter; and brothers Harris, Glenn and Dale.
  Visitation was held on Friday, June 10, 2016, in Gillies Funeral Home. The graveside committal was held on Saturday, June 11, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service in Third Christian Reformed Church, Lynden.
  Memorials in Norma’s name may be directed to Lydia Place in Bellingham or a charity of your choice.
  A special thank you to the nursing staff at St. Joseph Hospital and Lynden Family Medicine for their compassionate care and to her church family at Third Christian Reformed Church for all they have done.
  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.