On Nov. 8, 2017, at the age of 84, Pauline Gertrude Van Beek, better known as Polly, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She left our earth and entered Heaven with a sharp mind and is helping God with the bookkeeping and completing a never-ending supply of crossword puzzles.
Polly was born in Lynden at the family home on Feb. 22, 1933. She was the firstborn of Herman and Gertrude (Bode) Oppewall. She graduated from Lynden High School and was ASB treasurer her senior year.
Polly was a career-long bookkeeper. She began at Whatcom Builders, then went to Bode’s Ready-Mix, DeWaard & Bode and finally The Print Stop.
Polly was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church and served as treasurer of the Guild for Christian Services for many years. Polly was known for her servant’s heart. Many dishes were washed with loving care at Wednesday night fellowship meals and funerals at her church. She helped many people get to appointments when they could no longer drive. Polly donated her time for many years at the Project Hope Food Bank. She also volunteered at Isom and Bernice Vossbeck elementary schools, listening to children read.
Polly was preceded in death by both parents, brother-in-law Doug Kinsman, and daughter-in-law Gail Van Beek.
She is survived by her children Dennis (Gayla), Doug (Rosemary), Ken (Narlene) and Gary (Jill); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her siblings Phyllis Kinsman, Ted (Virginia) Oppewall and William “Weeb” Oppewall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the Lynden Manor staff for taking such good care of her.
You are invited to join family and friends in remembering Polly at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in First Reformed Church, with Pastor Ryan Bajema officiating. Burial preceded in Monumenta Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in Polly’s name to the Project Hope Food Bank, c/o Christian Hope Association, 205 South B.C. Ave., Suite 117, Lynden, WA 98264; or to First Reformed Church, 610 Grover St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Please 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.
