Jayne C. Poortinga

Jayne C. Poortinga, age 59, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital with her sons and other family members at her side. She was born on April 12, 1950 in Scherpenzeel, Friesland, The Netherlands, to Jim and Henrietta (Bangma) Heida, and was the youngest of six children. The family immigrated to the United States just before Jayne's sixth birthday. They first settled in Bellflower, California, and moved to a farm in Everson in 1959. Jayne attended Lynden Christian Schools, and after graduating in 1969 she completed a one year secretarial program at a local college. Her first employment was at Town & Country clothing store in Bellingham. Through the years she worked at several other stores, including New Crescent in Lynden. In 1971 Jayne married Jack Poortinga at Everson Christian Reformed Church, and they made their first home in Bellingham where their two sons were born. After that they lived in Lynden for a number of years, and then moved to Escondido, California in 1987. There Jayne went to school and became a cosmetologist. She later returned to Whatcom County, and was currently living in Fairhaven. Jayne was a loving and devoted mother, a dear daughter and sister, and a loyal friend. Her deep Christian faith carried her through many difficult passages in her life. She was sensitive, insightful, and generous, and was thoughtful of others. Painting greeting cards was one of many ways in which she expressed her creativity. Surviving Jayne are her sons Travis Poortinga of Los Angeles, and Justin Poortinga of Seattle; and her brother and sisters: Helen Dykstra of Everson; Grace (Dick) Beckley of Bellingham; Kathleen (Jake) Heerspink of Lynden; Karl (Freddie Ann) Heida of Mission, Texas; and Hazel (John) Roersma of Artesia, California; and numerous nephews and nieces and other relatives. A memorial service, with Dr. Douglas Iben officiating, will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham, located at 119 Texas Street. A private burial will follow at a later date. Moles Family Funeral Homes Bayview Chapel Bellingham