Sylvia (Brands) Vander Griend went to be with her Lord on May 26, 2020. She was 88 years old.
A daughter of John and Anna (Rupke) Brands, Sylvia was born on April 4, 1932, and spent the first 13 years of her life in Long Island, Kansas. She then moved with her family to Lynden, Washington. She attended Lynden Christian High School and graduated in 1950. Sylvia married Gerrit Vander Griend that year and assisted him on their Lynden family farm while raising five children.
Sylvia loved the Lord all her life, attending church faithfully as long as she was able. She loved music, played the piano and sang both in groups and solo from her school years on. Sylvia also loved the beauty of nature and spent many hours later in her life enjoying it through her window.
Sylvia is survived by four children, Cheryl and husband Jim Vander Mey, Rhonda Axelson, Cindy Larson, and Loren and wife Janice Vander Griend; five grandchildren, Jason Axelson, Alex Larson and wife Carly, Miranda Vander Mey, Peter and Anna Vander Griend; and two great-grandchildren, Brylee Axelson-Ney and Shelby Larson.
She was predeceased by her husband Gerrit, son Larry, her parents, and a sister.
The family is deeply grateful to the wonderful staff of the Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood, Washington, where Sylvia spent the final years of her life. The staff provided compassionate, sensitive and loving care and frequently expressed their appreciation for Sylvia’s gentle humor and affection.
In accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines, a private service with immediate family only will be held at Gillies Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Monumenta Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Josephine Caring Community, 9901 272nd Place NW, Stanwood, WA 98292; or to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
