Vina Marie Froberg

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 20 months ago, Vina never gave up. She never complained, remaining strong to the end. She died at home on June 8, 2015. Vina was a strong but quiet woman, whose strength was demonstrated numerous times during her life but no more so than with her fight with cancer. Vina was born in Bellingham where she resided until the age of 12, moving to West Seattle where she graduated from high school. She earned her nursing degree from Edison Technical Institute in 1955 and began her nursing career in Lynden. At the age of 18, Vina met her husband-to-be, Ed, on a blind date and they married one year later - a marriage which lasted 59 years until her death. With a move to Sumas and the lack of nursing opportunities there, she began what would be numerous years working as a waitress while raising her children, work which continued through her years in Spokane (1970-1987) before moving back to Bellingham in 1997. She was devoted to her family and was kind and generous, not only with her family and friends but also with various charities to which she contributed. In addition to spending time with family, Vina enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. with her husband in their RV, spending time at her daughter's bed and breakfast in Alaska and being a member of the Holiday Ramblers R.V. Club. Vina is survived by her husband Ed; her three children Dean (Shari), Jan, and Debbie (Brent); as well as her two grandchildren Ryan (Kayla) and Krysta (Tanner); and her 5 fur grandkids, Sadie Mae, Abbie, Marley, Peaches and Indie. Visitation will take place at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2015. A private family graveside service will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park. Friends, neighbors and acquaintances are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, in the clubhouse at Ankar Retirement Park, 4230 Ankar Park Dr., Bellingham. The family would like to convey heartfelt "Thanks" to the Hospice team members who delivered such compassionate care to Vina during these past months. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Whatcom County or to your favorite charity. 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.