Grace was born in Janum, the Netherlands on July 6, 1923. She grew up hearing her mother tell stories about the sinking of the Titanic. The Netherlands was occupied from 1940 – 1945 during WWII. Grace shared stories with her family about what life was like during that time, including how her own widowed mother hid Jews and young Dutch men to escape capture. Grace did chores for her own family and worked outside the home. It was at a neighboring farm where she was working as a nanny that she met Raymond Feddema, who was also employed there. They married in 1949. In 1959, they immigrated to California, USA with two young children in tow, Elly and Jim. They were sponsored by Grace's brother, Allen, and Ray worked for him for several years. While they lived in California, Ada was born. An opportunity arose for Ray and Grace to have their own farm in Washington, so they moved north in 1966. Grace loved the beauty and nature surrounding her new home and often went on excursions with family and friends to the mountains, Baker Lake, Deception Pass, and Washington Park to name a few. She loved a good sunset and would often call family to say 'look at da sky!' Ray and Grace worked their new farm together until his passing in 1975. She continued to live on the family dairy for several years and worked with her son. She lived in Sedro-Woolley, on her own, until one month before her 100th birthday when she suffered a stroke.

Our mom was independent, strong, and such a hard worker. She was also very creative.  Mom always had a craft to work on while she watched TV – her hands were never idle. She crocheted or knitted many afghans, socks, scarves, kitchen wash cloths, and clothes hanger coverings for others. There were always frozen chocolate chip cookies in her freezer. (Or applesauce or zucchini bread if you preferred that.) At Christmas time, a tradition was to go to the back bedroom and pick your loot from the huge pile of wonderful handmade items. And of course to eat the Dutch 'ollie bollen' during the Dutch shuffleboard  games.

Church attendance was a great priority for her. She was a member of 1st Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon since 1966. She was involved in Ladies Bible Studies, assisted with childcare, and with the hospitality committee.

Mom enjoyed several memorable trips with family and friends. She returned to Holland and California to visit family several times, went on an Alaskan cruise, visited Graceland in Tennessee, toured the East Coast, and attended family reunions in Florence, Oregon and Shasta, California. She visited family in Winnipeg, and went on a motor home trip to the southwest. Her brother and sisters visited one another often and fabulous family memories were made.

She is survived by her daughter Elly (Rich) Cuperus of Mount Vernon, Jim (Janet) Feddema of Sedro-Woolley, Daughter Ada (Jim) Schmidt of Sedro-Woolley, Eight Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, one brother-in-law, Marten Posthumus in Winnipeg Canada, and many nieces and nephews.

Previously deceased: Parents: Jelte and Akke Bakker, Brother: Allen (Lillian). Sisters: Baukje (Durk), Sally, Nell (Bill), and Pietsje (Jan).

The family is so appreciative of the incredible care given by the staff at Life Care of Sedro-Woolley, Creekside Continuing Care, and Hospice of the Northwest.

Life Celebration will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon.

Memorials can be made to the Mount Vernon Christian School or to Hospice of the Northwest.