Gloria Tisdel

  Gloria Jean (Stremler) Tisdel, age 61, passed away Friday evening, July 29, 2016, at the Hospice House in Bellingham.
  At the early age of one month old, she made her home with her foster parents, Henry and Ann Stremler, who preceded her in death. She joined their six children Ferrel (Marilyn) of Michigan, Harlean (Larry) Stegink, Aubin of Hawaii, Gretchen (Arnie) Van Dyken, Gordon (Marilyn), Virgil (Cheeta) and numerous other foster children on their dairy farm near Lynden. The Stremler family felt very blessed to have her as a part of the family.
  Her schooling included attending Lynden Christian 1967-1969 and she graduated from Redwood Park High School in Bellingham in 1973. She was baptized and professed her faith in Jesus at the Second Christian Reformed Church on Aug. 7, 1977, where she attended church for many years.
  Gloria received excellent care and supervision from Cascade Christian Services (now Cascade Connections) for the past 36 years, first living at the King Tut Road home and later in 1992 she was able to move into an apartment with her friend, Kristian Tripp, and they were roommates for 18 years.
  Gloria worked at Current Industries and other businesses under the supervision of Cascade Vocational Services. She enjoyed participating in Special Olympics, receiving medals in bowling, basketball and softball.
  Her hobbies included photography, scrapbooking, spin dancing, sports, taking trips and Camp Horizon, and she loved animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed meeting people and was very free with her hugs and kisses.
  The family thanks the staff of Cascade Connections for all their loving support and care throughout the many stages of her life; also to Hospice for its compassionate care the past few months. Gloria had a loving personality and we will all miss her smiles and hugs.
  Memorials may be made to Cascade Connections, 1354 Pacific Place, Ferndale, WA 98248 or your favorite charity.
  Visitation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Gillies Funeral Home, Lynden. Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, at Monumenta Cemetery in Lynden. Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, in Sonlight Community Church, 8800 Bender Rd., Lynden.
  You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.