Jackie Bouwman
Jacqueline Ann Bultman Bouwman (Jackie), age 89, went to be with her heavenly father on May 29, surrounded by her family.
Jackie was born June 1, 1932, to John and Audrey Bultman in Oak Harbor, the third of four daughters.
Jackie graduated in 1949 from Oak Harbor High School when she was just 16 years old. Shortly after that, Jackie worked as a secretary at the Naval Air Force Base on Whidbey Island.
Jackie met her husband, Frank, on a blind date when she was 18. They were engaged for two years, while Frank served in Korea with the US Army.
Frank and Jackie were married on Oct. 3, 1952 in her parents’ home. They started married life in a tiny two bedroom home on Pine Street in Lynden, where they welcomed their five children.
In 1966, they moved down the road to a home on Main Street which they spent many years remodeling and landscaping. While they were raising their children, they visited Jackie’s family in Oak Harbor every three weeks.
Through those visits, Jackie instilled her love of the beach and family with her children.
Jackie was an amazing mother and homemaker. She was known for her beautiful canning, delicious pies and desserts, and Bouwman Raspberry Jell-o. She was loved for her quirky sense of humor, witticisms, and laugh. During their marriage, Frank and Jackie made trips to Europe, Hawaii and the Holy Land.
Jackie was the secretary at Third Christian Reformed Church for a number of years, and also enjoyed participating in ladies church Bible Studies. Jackie also thoroughly enjoying being a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital for many years.
Jackie will be greatly missed by her children Geri (Mark) Benson, Lori (John) Schnieder, Carol (Mark) Bratt, Terri Bouwman, Kent (Candace) Bouwman; 19 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; her sister Irene Tyhuis; her in-laws Louise Fox, Grace Hayes, Doris Bouwman, Rich and Katie Bouwman, John Bouwman, Doug and Diane Bouwman, Gretta Bouwman; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Frank Bouwman, in 1995; her grandson Aaron Vander Pol; her parents John and Audrey Bultman; her parents-in-law Dick and Sadie Bouwman; her siblings Dorothy (Jake) Lampers, Gerrit Tyhuis, Luanne (Larry) Hargis; her siblings-in-law Don Fox, Bill Hayes, Sid Bouwman, Bernice Mouw.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Lynden Manor and to Hospice of Whatcom County for the love, comfort and care they gave to Jackie and her family. Memorials may be made to Lynden Christian Schools or Hospice of Whatcom County. Visitation was Monday, June 6 at Gillies Funeral Home, followed by a private family graveside service in Monumenta Cemetery followed by the Memorial service at Third Christian Reformed Church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
