Jean (Japke) Laird, age 85, of Lynden, went home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
Born Nov. 3, 1931 to Clarence and Maaike (DeJong) DeLange, she was a lifetime Whatcom County resident. Jean attended Lynden schools and on Jan. 1, 1951 she married William “Bill” Laird in Lynden. Together they raised their family of six children. A people person, Jean enjoyed her years working and making friends at The Fairway Café and Cedar Springs Retreat Center. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Jean’s greatest joy in life was her family, and her gracious hospitality was enjoyed by all who knew her. Jean was a member of New Life Fellowship Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bill, and son Gary. Jean is survived by her children Greg (Carol) Laird of Camas, Washington, Galen (Candace) Laird of Lynden, Glenn (Jean) Laird of Bellingham, Guy (Janet) Laird of Lynden and Gina (Bruce) Bosch of Sumas; 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and her brother, John DeLange of Quincy, Washington.
Visitation hours are scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, in Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service in New Life Fellowship Church, 810 E. Pole Rd., Lynden.
Memorials in Jean’s name are suggested to: New Life Fellowship Church at the above address or Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Pkwy., Bellingham, WA 98225. You are invited to 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.
