Gail Van Beek

  Gail Lynn Van Beek, age 51, of Lynden, went home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015.
  Born on May 9, 1964, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Glen and Joann (Wester-velt) Bajema, she moved with her family to Seattle as a toddler. Later, for a short while, her family lived in Arizona and then returned to Seattle where Gail attended Watson Groen Christian School through sixth grade. The family eventually moved to the Lynden area where Gail attended Lynden Christian Schools and was a 1982 Lynden Christian High School graduate. Her handsome guy friend, Gary Van Beek, became the love of her life, and they were married on Sept. 10, 1982, in Lynden. Together they had three children.
  Gail’s favorite pastimes revolved around crafting, decorating and scrapbooking, but she also called herself a “country girl at heart” who enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. She delighted in time with her kids and grandkids, visiting with old friends and making new friends wherever she went. She also enjoyed reading magazines and searching for new creative ideas and projects. Gail was a member of First Reformed Church in Lynden.
  She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Gary; children Brandon (Annemarie) Van Beek and their daughter Lilian, Daniel (Shelli) Van Beek and their daughter Emersyn, and Amanda (Luie) Smit and their son Bo; and siblings Gina (Don) Gorsegner and Lori (Scott) Velthuizen.
  Visitation and viewing hours were held on Monday, Sept. 21, in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden. Gail’s memorial service was held in First Reformed Church of Lynden the following day, Tuesday, Sept. 22.
  Memorials may be given in Gail’s name to the Wigs Program, c/o Peace Health St. Joseph Cancer Care Center, 3301 Squalicum Pkwy., Bellingham, WA 98225.
  You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.