Evelyn DeBruyn

  Evelyn Henken DeBruyn died on Jan. 27, 2018 in her home at the age of 90 from complications as the result of too many birthdays.
  She was born on Jan. 22, 1928 and was a lifelong resident of Lynden with the exception of a few early years in Sumas. She was a graduate of Lynden High School. She married Jimmy DeBruyn in 1948 and they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage until his passing in 2010.
  She spent most of her working career at Johnson’s Fine Foods of Ferndale where her customers and co-workers provided her with years of funny stories for her family and friends. These friends included her bridge club, some of whom she knew since her school days and whom she loved dearly. To be loved by Evelyn was to be loved fiercely. It was like having a protective shield around you. To laugh with her was like watching a Carol Burnett and Tim Conway skit. You had to hold your sides and your cheeks hurt.
  Evelyn was predeceased by her siblings Art, Caroline, Jim and Marion Henken and Josie deLine.
  She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Dick Mann of Redding, California; her sister-in-law Ellen Henken of Lynden; and many well-loved nieces and nephews and their families. She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law Wendy and Mike Chevalier of LaConner and her treasured granddaughter Lily Chevalier of Lynden. Lily was the pride of Evelyn’s life, and it is because of her selfless care, companionship and compassion that Evelyn was allowed to remain in her home and receive the gift of death with dignity.
  The family would like to extend their gratitude to doctors John Knudson and Stephen Malone, Kathy and Jessica of Eden Home Health Services, Marie from Hospice for that one critical day, and Val her hairdresser.
  At mom’s request, there will be no services.
  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.