Florence DeVries, our much loved Mom and Beppe, entered into heaven on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Florence was born Froukje Vander Meulen, the fifth of six children, to Pete and Cecelia Vander Meulen on Dec. 19, 1931.
In 1954 she married Al DeVries in Garijp, Friesland. They immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling first in Artesia, California, where their two children, Elly and Pete, were born. In 1967 they moved to the Skagit Valley, living and retiring in Mount 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, and the door was always open for a visit and a cup of coffee. She loved flowers; wherever she lived, she 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 a 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 and Pete (Randi) DeVries; grandchildren Dana Dralle, Dr. PJ (Sharayah) DeVries, Elizabeth DeVries and step-grandchildren Robert (Amanda) Sherman and Larry Sherman; one great-grandchild on the way; three step-great-grandchildren; sister Hilda Vande Witte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al DeVries; granddaughter Darci Dralle; her parents; two sisters and two brothers.
The family thanks Birchview Memory Care Center in Sedro-Woolley for their excellent care of mom this past year.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 7, in Hawthorne Funeral Home of Mount Vernon, 1825 E. College Way, with a reception to celebrate her life immediately following.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
