Anjean Vander Veen was born in Lynden on Aug. 14, 1928. She was the fifth child of six. She went to Ebenezer Christian Grade School in Lynden for eight years, then graduated from Lynden High School in 1946. After graduating, she worked for the telephone company in Lynden for four years, then in 1950 she married the tall, dark and handsome Dutch man whom she was married to for over 73 years. They were blessed with five children.
Anjean (Mom) was known for her great gift of hospitality. She was a very detailed person, hosting numerous functions in their home. She was an excellent cook. Grandkids and great-grandkids always knew that they could find her homemade cookies in the freezer at every visit. She was a great seamstress, immaculate housekeeper, an excellent gardener, saying that “every weed is a sin” and was always busy … never sitting down except at the end of the day. Any time a function needed help with a dinner or in the kitchen, Mom would be there helping.
Mom had a great sense of humor also. Her friends would always accept her invitations for parties, playing cards or coming over on New Year’s Eve day for Olie Bollen. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. She was a true social butterfly up to this very last year.
Church attendance was a great priority for her and the family. She was a member of 1st Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon since 1951. She was involved in ladies Bible studies, in charge of the church newsletter for 19 years and generously volunteered on many church committees, using her various talents. Mom was an excellent proofreader, a detailed bookkeeper and the secretary for the Drainage District for over 20 years. She volunteered at SV Hospital for 10 years and was a helper for the Puget Sound Blood Draw since 1998.
Anjean loved to travel and loved the 20 years of boating that she and Dad enjoyed. She also enjoyed being on the church bowling league for over 15 years. Mom was a great role model, taking care of their daughter, Judi, with Down Syndrome. We knew the extra amount of work, patience and blessings that came with our sister and we know Mom will have an extra jewel in her crown for all of her loving work.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Henry Vander Veen, of Mount Vernon; son Jerry Vander Veen, Mount Vernon; daughters: Jeannie (Charlie) Boon, Mount Vernon; Joan (Will) Vander Meulen, Mount Vernon; Jill (Oren) De Vries, Wendell, ID; 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren
Previously deceased: parents Henry and Johanna Bierlink; sisters Catherine, Nella, Bertha, Freda and brother Fred; plus many other brother & sisters-in-law. Her special daughter, Judi, passed away in May 2023.
Memorials can be made to Mount Vernon Christian School.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at Hawthorne Memorial Park, Mount Vernon, with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church, Mount Vernon.
Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories, as well as sign the online guest book.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
