Connie Sue Maberry, age 56, died on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at her Everson residence. Born on March 14, 1959, in Bellingham to George and Rosalie (Lenhart) Vrieling, she grew up in the Lynden area.
Her greatest joy was being a housewife and mom. Connie worked outside the home in restaurants and in the berry processing industry; where she met her husband, Monte. Connie and Monte were married on Sept. 30, 2006, in Winthrop. She delighted in time with family, walking her dogs, sewing and baking. Connie had a passion for reading and learning, and was a gifted encourager;,always sharing handwritten notes and books with friends and family. The simple things in life brought her great pleasure.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Vrieling; and brother Jerry Vrieling.
Connie is survived by her husband, Monte; daughter Kristy (Arlen) Johnston of Empress, Alberta, Canada, and children Theya, Kalen, Gannon, Declan and Malise; daughter Jaime (John) Van Gent of Auburn, Ontario, Canada, and children Victoria, John, Kacey and Caitlin; daughter Holly (Brandon) Vavra of Lynden and children Zachary, Devon and Andrea; daughter Lauri Blankenforth of Birch Bay; her mother, Rosalie Vrieling; stepmother Carol Vrieling; stepchildren Tiffany (Wayne) Nash of Everett and children Keller, Kensington and Kendall, Megan Maberry and Annie Maberry, both of Lynden; brother Chuck (Judy) Vrieling; sisters Judy (Ken) Visser and Vicki (Jerry) Visser; former husband of 25 years, Steve Blankenforth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held on Saturday, July 18, at Lake Whatcom with pastor Grant Fishbook officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Connie’s name are suggested to: St. Joseph Cancer Center, 3301 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
