Rena Feddema, known as a ray of sunshine to her family, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at the age of 87. Rena was born Feb. 17, 1930 in Ferwerd, Friesland, the Netherlands, to parents Tjeerd and Ytje (Wassenaar) Mellema. She was the eighth of nine children growing up in Birdaard, Friesland.
Rena married Dick Feddema in May 1950 in Holland. In 1963, along with five children, Dick and Rena immigrated to Bellflower, California, then moved to Monroe, Washington, in 1969 and on to their current Lynden farm in 1983. Rena was a full-time mother and homemaker; she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, reading, putting together photo albums for all the family, singing in the choir, and participating in Bible study. Rena was God-fearing, personable, humorous, faithful and a really hard worker.
Rena was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; brothers Dirk, Johannes, Wilbur and Jake Mellema; sisters Jesse Greidanus, Elisabeth Boersma, Tessa Postema and Grietje Spijksma.
She is survived by children Irene Feddema of Mount Vernon, Fred Feddema of Kittitas, Angie Wrzesinski of Camano Island, Ted Feddema of Lynden, Arnold Feddema of Lynden, and Jim (Michele) Feddema of Mount Vernon; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family.
Visitation was on Friday, Sept. 22, in Gillies Funeral Home. The memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 23, in First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St., Lynden, with pastors Robert Woodyard and Barry Blankers officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to World Renew-US, 1700 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508; or to New Way Ministries, 205 South B.C. Ave. Suite 117, Lynden, WA 98264.
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.
