Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Johanna Terpstra Obituary

Johanna Marie Terpstra, age 92, of Lynden was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 26, 2011. "Jo" was born on January 11, 1919 to Henry and Minnie Polinder in Los Angeles, but lived in Lynden and the Whatcom County area since 1934. She was a gracious, kind, tender-hearted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Jesus was central in her life, and she left a rich spiritual legacy of love, generosity and faith for her children and grandchildren; profoundly touching their lives. She is one of those women of whom the Book of Proverbs declares "…her children rise up and call her 'Blessed!'". She dedicated her musical gifts to her Lord as organist for 52 consecutive years in the Second Christian Reformed Church of Lynden. "Jo" was preceded to Heaven by her husband Erwin in 1983; son Bob in 2010; sister Dorothy at age 15; brother Harold at age 16; brother Gerald Polinder; parents Henry and Minnie Polinder; and step-mothers Kate Gelderman Polinder and Theresa Prince Polinder. She leaves behind her son Harold and wife Mavis of Lynden, daughter-in-law Nella Terpstra of Lynden, son Gordon and wife Cheryl of Bellingham, daughter Doris Libolt and husband Bob of Lynden, sister-in-law Shirley Polinder of Lynden; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 4, 1:00 pm at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 2 pm memorial service at Second Christian Reformed Church, 8th & Front St. in Lynden. Gifts in her memory may be made to Second CRC, Building Restoration Fund, 8th & Front St. or Lynden Christian School, 417 Lyncs Dr. both of Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald on Mar. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Johanna Terpstra

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Marce Brennan

March 2, 2011

To all of Jo's Family,
It has been a privilege for us to have been included in many celebrations for Jo and we will always remember her delightful smile, her great sense of humor and the kindness of one who appreciated the simple things in life. Her obituary stated a profound truth about her; she is indeed a woman of Proverbs who blessed both her family and all those who knew her. We will miss her earthly presence but we know that she is celebrating a new life now.
Our prayers are with you,
Terry and Marce Brennan

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Johanna Terpstra's name

Memorial Events
for Johanna Terpstra

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Lynden

202 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264

How to support Johanna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Johanna Terpstra's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more