Bertha Meenderinck entered into the presence of her Savior on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the age of 100.
She was born to Peter and Sadie (Visser) Hoekema on March 29, 1917 in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1922 when Bertha was 5, the family moved to Lynden. She attended Lynden Christian and Ebenezer grade schools and Lynden High School. She was a member of First Christian Reformed Church her entire life, and she was active in Ladies Aid, Bible study and the GEMS program. On Sept. 19, 1941,
Bertha married Bernard Meenderick in Lynden. They started farming on the Hampton Road and raised their family. Bertha was a hard worker raising her four children, helping to raise funds to start the Lynden swimming pool (now YMCA) and was president of the LC Mothers Club. Bertha loved gardening, raising vegetables and flowers. She was very creative in sewing, knitting and crocheting. In retirement, she and Bern traveled to Europe, Australia, England and all but two states. She always had the coffee pot on along with homemade goodies; she had a willing heart and a radiant smile.
Bertha was a loving mother to her children: Merv (Penny) Meenderinck, Curt (Darlene) Meenderinck, Sharyn (deceased) and Coni (Rich) Hoolsema; eight grandchildren: Peter, Becky, Justin, Jason, Megan, Darin, Scott and Jill; and 14 great-grandchildren: Maggie and Brett Meenderinck; Elijah, Noah, and Isaac Jastram; Nicholas and Laim Meenderinck; Rhyce, Mikaela, Kendall, and Ty Swaffield; Hazel and Nora Meenderinck and Ella Mc-Kee.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, daughter Sharyn, grandchildren Ryan Hoolsema and Scott McKee, siblings Joe Hoekema, Suzanne Holleman and Gene Hoekema; and in-laws Helen Feller, Norma Wiersma-Bosman and Gerrit Meenderinck.
Bertha is survived by her brother Charles Hoekema; sisters-in-law Perlene Hoekema and Jeanne Meenderinck; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bertha found much pleasure in her family and always had a heart of gratitude to God for loving her first. She was a prayer warrior and prayed for her family daily. As a family, we are grateful to Lynden Manor and the Christian Health Care Center for loving and caring for our mother.
Interment will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 15, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service in First Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating.
Memorials can be made to the First Christian Reformed Church Building Fund, 1010 Front St., 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.
