Wilma Paul, age 100, went to be with her Lord on Sunday June 5, 2022, in Mount. Vernon. She was born on July 5, 1921, in Amstelveen, Holland to Willem Gerardus and Dirkje Johanna Groeneweg. She was the 5th child in a family with 9 other siblings. Growing up in a big family during the Great Depression taught her to be thrifty, work hard and never be wasteful. Wilma graduated from high school and then attended a sewing school.

In 1944 she met Matthew M. Paul and they were married October 2, 1946. She moved to Rotterdam where her husband was farming.  Their first two sons, Bill and Clarence were born in Holland but in 1951 the family farm was lost to the city of Rotterdam as it expanded. They decided in June 1951 to immigrate to the United States, settling for a short time in Michigan where a family had sponsored them. By that fall, they drove with their belongings to California where they stayed for 10 years. During that time, they welcomed Wilma's youngest sister Rita, from Holland, to live with them. Matthew milked cows on a dairy that had a "Cash & Carry" store where milk was sold. Wilma and Rita did the bottle washing when empty glass bottles were returned. They became U.S. citizens in 1956, and were blessed with two more sons, Marty and John.

Their next big move was in 1961 to Mt. Vernon, Washington where they owned a dairy-farm on Riverbend Road on the banks of the Skagit River.

Wilma was a faithful, longtime member of the Christian Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, all but one of her brothers and sisters, a daughter-in law, her husband Matthew, and two of her sons Clarence and Marty.

Wilma is survived by one brother, Jaap in Holland, her son Bill and wife Bertha of Palouse, WA and son John and wife Kim of Mt. Vernon, WA. She was blessed with 13 grandkids, 31 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grands plus another on the way. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

Dear Grandma and Tante Wil, we have such fun, wonderful memories with you. Teatime in the afternoons (Dutch style), always cookies and other goodies on hand, homemade soup and rolls with gouda cheese on Sunday, candy sprinkles on toast, taking us to the river, playing shuffleboard, riding bike on your big driveway just to mention a few.

Dear Mom, you were always such a hard worker for your family, your church, Dairy Wives, the Christian School, Bargains Galore thrift store and other charities. You knew how to cook great meals for us four hungry boys! You were a loving, faithful mother but knew how to set us straight when we got out of line. You taught us to respect others, to work hard, try never to be wasteful and gave us a beautiful example of living a Christian life. Your gentle hands were never idle - always having yarn on hand to make beautiful knitted, crocheted and needlework items - only to give them all away to family and those in need. We cherish the items given to us and our families. Until very recently, there were always needles of some kind clacking away in your hands!  You will always be remembered for your giving, warm, welcoming ways, and the excitement you showed when anyone visited you in recent years. But most of all for your beautiful smile whether you were awake or asleep! Your work is done now, and we know you are with Jesus!

Memorials may be sent to the Mount Vernon Christian School, 820 W. Blackburn Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98273

The family would love for you to join them for a celebration of Wilma's life on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 1:00 pm at First Christian Reformed Church, 701 W. Blackburn Rd., Mount. Vernon, WA 98273.