Florence De Vries, our much loved Mom and Beppe, entered into heaven on Tuesday, June 19th.
Florence was born Froukje Vander Meulen, the fifth of six children, to Pete and Cecelia Vander Meulen on December 19, 1931.
In 1954 she married Al De Vries in Garijp, Friesland. They immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling in Artesia, California where their two children, Elly and Pete, were born. In 1967 they moved to Skagit Valley, living and retiring in Mt. Vernon. They furthered their retirement by moving to Lynden in 1998 and then to Lyman in 2012. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Florence had the ability to make her house a home. It was always cozy and inviting, the door was always open for a visit and a cup of coffee. She loved flowers, wherever she lived had a rose garden. She was famous for her knitted slippers, hats and scarves
Mom was a kind, loving woman with a servant's heart preferring to serve behind the scenes, whether on church social committee or family gatherings. Her priority was always family. She particularly enjoyed the yearly camping trips to Conconully, and fishing with dad. Beppe adored her grandchildren, and the feeling was mutual. A game of Rummikub was always welcome!
Florence is survived by her children, Elly (Cal) Sherman, Pete (Randi) De Vries, grandchildren Dana Dralle, Dr. PJ (Sharayah) De Vries, Elizabeth De Vries and step – grandchildren Robert (Amanda) Sherman, Larry Sherman, one great-grandchild on the way, three step great-grandchildren, sister Hilda Vande Witte and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Al DeVries, grandaughter Darci Dralle, her parents, two sisters and two brothers.
The family would like to thank Birchview Memory Care Center in Sedro Woolley for their excellent care of mom this past year.
A memorial service will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home, in Mount Vernon, WA Saturday, July 7th at 11:00 am with a reception to celebrate her life immediately following.