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Bernice Vossbeck Obituary

Bernice was born April 20, 1923, at her Bernice Vossbeck, 95, peacefully passed away at her home Saturday May 12, 2018. family home in Lynden WA, to Isaac and Jennie Elenbaas. After attending Lynden Christian grade school through 8th grade, she then graduated from Lynden High School in 1940. Bernice received her teaching certificate from Western Washington University in 1944, and she began teaching at the Lynden School District in 1945. Later she attended Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts and received her Master of Arts Degree in Geography in 1946. During her career in the Lynden School District she was a teacher from 1945 to 1972 (grades 2,3,6,7), and was the first woman principal in Lynden School District in 1973 at Fisher Elementary. In 1969 she was honored as a guest professor and taught summer school and evening classes at Western Washington University Geography Department. Bernice received many special recognitions. She was honored in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1944. In 1977 she was recognized as the Alumnus of the year at Lynden High School. In 1985 she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Lynden School District and also the Washington State Special Recognition Award. Her greatest honor was in 1997 when the Lynden School District named the Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School in her name. Bernice had many interests, hobbies, and civic activities. She loved traveling and visited many countries and 5 continents. She also enjoyed spending time reading, playing golf, hiking and became a Master Gardener. She was involved in many organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Friends of the Library, Lynden Pioneer Museum, PEO, Lynden Garden Club, Advisory Board at Berthusen Park and Washington State Retired Teachers Association, Lynden Parks and Trails, NWW Fair Flower Department, and the Whatcom County Endowment Board. Bernice was baptized in 1923 at Second Christian Reformed Church in Lynden. In 1962 she became an active member and was confirmed into the United Methodist Church of Lynden. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Robert Henry Vossbeck, and siblings Albert James Elenbaas, Anne Marie Harris, Eugene Isaac Elenbaas. Bernice is survived by her three children, daughter Mary Ann Alderson-Williams of Sedro Woolley, son Karl (Veronica) Vossbeck of Kent, and son Henry (Wendy) Vossbeck of Lynden and three grandchildren Kurtis Vossbeck, Amanda Vossbeck, and Erika Vossbeck. In honor of Bernice, a celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Lynden United Methodist Church with Pastor Conrado Gonzaga officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School Library Fund, 1301 E. Bridgeview Dr., Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Published by Bellingham Herald on May 16, 2018.
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She was one of the most awesome principals I ever had. I enjoyed talking with her after all these years. I will miss her with all my heart.

Michele Gustafson

May 21, 2018

I had MUCH respect for Mrs. Vossbeck. She was an EXCEPTIONAL lady who loved her job. I could see that when I used to get into trouble, Bernice would be there, sorting it out, finding the truth.

Jeffrey Bovenkamp

May 17, 2018

Mrs. Vossbeck was actually my home ec teacher for both cooking and sewing. I remember picking grapes for jelly and making charlotte russe.

Arlene (Henken)Mann

May 16, 2018

Mrs.Vossbeck was my typing/speedwriting teacher and also was the director for our Junior class play.

Arlene (Henken) Mann

May 16, 2018

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Funeral services provided by:

Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Lynden

202 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264

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