Dorothy Mae (Michel) Verduin, age 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the Whatcom Hospice House, a caring and loving environment and care facility in Bellingham.
She was born on Nov. 17, 1930, on the family farm just outside of Lynden to Franz and Margret (Voelker) Michel, the youngest of four children. Dorothy grew up attending Lynden public schools from elementary grades through high school graduation in 1948. After high school she attended Washington State College before returning home to marry Thomas Jack Verduin of Lynden on Nov. 17, 1949. Together they had two daughters, Gail and Judy. While raising her children and working at different times for the Post Office and The Bellingham Herald, Dorothy continued her education at Western Washington State College. In 1965 she found her calling as an advocate for the elderly of Whatcom County. Dorothy started work with the Bellingham Senior Center, then in 1968 was chosen to provide outreach support and was influential in the development of senior services in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and Sumas. In 1969 she became the director of the Lynden Senior Center where she continued serving as a driving force for the development of senior services throughout Whatcom County, to include the expansion of the Meals on Wheels Program and the eventual development of care and living facilities in Lynden.
After retirement in 1991, Dorothy focused on completing her bucket list including travel throughout the United States, parts of Western Europe and multiple cruises, highlighted by a trip through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean. Some of her other joys were to spend time with her sister, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in various activities, and helping to provide educational opportunities for her family and community.
Left to honor Dorothy and remember her love and determination are her two children, Gail (Verduin) Cunningham and Judy (Verduin) Bush; two grandchildren, Jennifer Bush and Jason Bush; and three great-grandchildren, Jarryn Bush, Jaelen Bush and Arianna Bush.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Phil and Melvin; and sister Frieda.
Dorothy will be remembered as a determined champion for the elderly of the community, a lifelong learner and enthusiast of education, and a loving and adventurous grandmother (great-grandmother), willing to go down the “Howling Tornado” waterslide.
A private burial will take place on Thursday, March 28, followed by a public celebration of life in the Lynden Community Center at 11:30 a.m.
The family extends its gratitude to all the staff at Whatcom Hospice House, St. Joseph PeaceHealth Hospital, and any others who provided care to Dorothy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Lynden Community Center, 410 Grover St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
