Catherine J. Bovenkamp

After valiantly battling ovarian cancer for the past eight years, Catherine Bovenkamp, age 93, peacefully departed from her own home and crossed to the other side on April 7, 2011 to be with her Lord whom she served faithfully for a lifetime. Catherine realized her dreams of a happy 68 year marriage, a large loving family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of which she referred to with joy as "her career". She took great delight in the simple things of life; in growing flowers big or small, sharing a hot cup of tea in beautiful china cups she collected, reading a good old fashioned romance novel, crocheting afghans for each grandchild and great-grandchild born, and spending precious snippets of time at "sister's tea", coffee with friends, and just "being" with her family. Catherine truly had a "servant's heart" and will always be remembered for her quiet strength, quick wit and soft laughter, kindness to others, and her joyful outlook on life no matter the circumstances. Born in Holland, Minnesota on September 21, 1917 to Hermanus and Maria (Scholten) Van Loo, Catherine moved to Lynden when she was 16 and graduated from Lynden Public High School in 1936. On October 17, 1939 Catherine married Peter Bovenkamp, Sr. After farming several years, she and her husband started Bovenkamp Livestock and Poultry Hauling. Together they ran the family business for over 40 years, raised their eight children, and enjoyed many wonderful retirement years in their own home. Catherine, by all accounts, lived a successful and full life, an "others centered" life of giving, passing on her faith and joy to all those around her. She was a member of First Reformed Church and was a faithful "behind the scenes" volunteer throughout her lifetime. Catherine is survived by children Bert (Norma Jo) Bovenkamp of Sumas, Marie (Bill) Bonsen of Lynden, Charlotte (Bob) Holmes-Bovenkamp of Ferndale, Trudy (Jim) Paige of California, Carol (Marv) Weidkamp of Lynden, Ed (Eva) Bovenkamp of Marysville, Arnie (Lavonne) Bovenkamp of Snohomish, and Kathy (Russ) Bovenkamp-Wilson of Bellingham, 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and sister, Gerdena Douma of California. Gone ahead of Catherine were her husband, Peter Bovenkamp, Sr.; sons, Peter, Jr., and Herman; granddaughter Makenna; daughter-in-law Anna Mae; sisters Betty Roos, Johanna Laninga, Gertrude Van Beek, Bertha Hoksbergen and brothers Herman, Everett, and John Van Loo. A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 1:30 PM at Monumenta Cemetary. A Family and Friends Gathering to follow at North County Christ the King Church, Family Room, Lynden. Memorials may be made to The Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, 801 Broadway, Suite 701, Seattle, WA 98122 or The Lighthouse Mission, POB 548, Bellingham, WA, 98227. You are invited to share your memories of Catherine by signing the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com