Catharina (Trina) P. Meyer

(1923-2016)

Trina Meyer, our beloved 92-year-old mother, grandmother and great-grandmother embraced the arms of her Savior Saturday, February 13th, 2016 following a massive stroke which occurr ed 5 days prior to her death.

Trina resided in Mount Vernon , WA with her husband, John Meyer, since they emigrated from Holland in 1952 with their three eldest daughters, Tonnie, Willie, and Thea. They were then blessed with two more daughters, Joani and Cynthia who were born in Mount Vernon , WA . Her husband, John, founded Meyer Sign & Advertising in 1956. The couple attended Mount Vernon First Christian Reformed Church. Their strong faith in God took them through many storms in life, including the atrocities of WWII in Holland , as well as Trina through tuberculosis and breast cancer.

Trina was born on April 10, 1923 in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands to Matheus and Teuntje (Slykoord) Offerman, the seventh of nine children. She was preceded in death by her precious mother (when Trina was just 16), then her father and two younger siblings when Trina was 18. She was also preceded in death by her older siblings and her husband John in 1999. John and Trina were happily married for 55 years. Their love was the foundation and strength of their family.

John and Trina's house was always filled with joy and laughter amid the warmth of fellowship. They hosted many visitors from Holland well as other places over the years. They made numerous trips to Holland & Europe and in later years, loved to travel in a motorhome that John had built. A special memory for them was their trip to Israel .

Trina was a very gracious hostess, wonderful cook, as well as a creative and expert seamstress, sewing many outfits for her girls and grandchildren, including wedding dresses. For many years she was our go-to person for mending and alterations.

Trina had a great work ethic and was very unselfish, always putting others first - in her marriage, with her family, visiting widows and the sick, and in her church. She had a gift in how she interacted with babies and they all adored her as she sang Dutch songs with them. She always dropped whatever she was doing and spent time with people. She was always interested in others' lives and was such a great listener. She loved her whole family with all her heart and was very loved in return by all who met her. When asked what her secret was that drew everyone into her sphere of love she simply said "I don't judge". We will miss our mother, "Oma", friend and confidant.. She has set an extremely high bar for us all to aspire to.

Trina is survived by her five daughters and sons-in-law (who she loved as sons): Tonnie and Martin Boer, Willie and Jim Cloo, Thea and Terry Minor, Joani and Brian Vanderpol, Cindy and Mark Assink, her 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren as well as many relatives in Holland .

A special blessing for the last 16 years of Trina's life was her faithful, loving companion, her dog, Benji, who absolutely adored her as much as she adored him.

Trina's family would like to especially thank the nurses and doctors on staff at Skagit Valley Hospital who lovingly cared for Trina during her last days; we appreciated their genuine concern and thoughtfulness.

Trina's faith and example impacted her family for generations to come. She truly gifted her entire family with a rich heritage that lives on forever: love.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016, 3:00 pm at the First Christian Reformed Church, 2015 E Blackburn , followed by a reception at the church. A private family graveside service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park .