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1924

DIED

2024

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Joyce Vanderpol Obituary

Joyce B Vanderpol

January 14, 1924 - September 8, 2024

Blaine, Washington - Joyce Becker Vanderpol was born January 14, 1924, in Kirkland, Washington to William and Edith Gertrude (Rattenberry) Becker and passed peacefully, Sunday, September 8th, 2024.

Joyce was the third sibling of four, outlasting her brother Bill Becker, sister Doris Lundvall, (Dori), her twin sister Renie Hill, and husband for 56 years Nicholas Vanderpol. She is survived by sister-in-law Patricia Foxly, nephews; Barry Lundvall, Gary Becker, Ralph Lundvall, and nieces Vickie Richardson and Gerrie Sall.

Joyce's 10 decades were highlighted by successful careers in military administration, customs and immigration, and real estate that included stops in Southern California, Guam, Bellingham and for past 4 decades Blaine, WA. She earned a college degree in her 60's, became a Real estate instructor to certify agents and was a 40 year owner/broker of her real estate brokerage and notary. Joyce participated in international (stateside & in Europe) tennis competitions in her 60's, 70's, 80's and until she was 97. Joyce was passionate about tennis, learning and supporting community and local charities. She was independent, positive, kind, giving, generous, caring.

Known as "feisty", "amazing ", "smart" "philanthropist", Joyce was an inspiration to us all. In lieu of flowers Joyce and in her memory, she would appreciate donations to Blaine local charities.

At Joyce's request, no public services are planned. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

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

Published by Bellingham Herald from Sep. 13 to Sep. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Vanderpol

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Steve Serenas

December 3, 2025

We miss your smile and energy Joyce. What a wonderful example to all of us. You were a joy to be around. Thank you sweetie.

Steve Serenas

December 14, 2024

Joyce was a joy to be around and to work with. Always a smile and always interested. What a blessing to have touched my life. A great business partner . Thank you Joyce.

Mark Bright

October 2, 2024

I was fortunate enough to meet Joyce in early 2024 when I needed some documents notarized in the USA. I live right across the border in Canada and I set up an appointment with the first notary I could find and what a joy it was to meet her! I was immediately struck by her kindness, humor, and overall optimistic outlook on life. Meeting her that morning was the highlight of my day, and I want to live the rest of my life with the same vitality and vigor that she posessed. A very special lady.

Mare Boyle

September 22, 2024

My husband and I owned The Village and the twins used to come in on Sundays and shoot pool. They would split a Coors light and have a sandwich. Such a delight . Glad they both lived so long but sorry they are gone. I look at Joyce's face every day as I have a refrigerator magnetic she gave me!!

Dac and Kelly Jamison

September 18, 2024

Loved her and her sister Renie incredible women. Bot a huge inspiration to us. Joyce will be dearly missed.

Paula

September 18, 2024

My young grandson and I met Joyce a year or two ago while waiting in a fast food line. We were both mesmerized by her story and warmth. She definitely made our day more interesting! Rest in peace.

Dorothy Bond

September 16, 2024

I was one of Joyce and Nick's neighbors in the Salishan neighborhood. I remember when she was first starting her real estate endeavor that she gave me my first computer since she was upgrading. They were both very special people and will be missed by many. Dorothy Bond

Sue Richmond

September 15, 2024

We celebrated the same birth date. I would stop by her office and we would catch up! A delightful soul, always sassy and full of energy! She will be missed both in real estate and tennis! RIP Joyce!

JoAnne Peterson

September 15, 2024

She was a priceless lady... I've known her since I was about 18. Last month I visited her in her office, and she asked me, "now that you've retired at 72, what kind of work will you do now"? I could hardly think of a response. Nothing, is what I said. Afterward, I realized she has 30 years on me. So it made me rethink. She will be missed. Her and her twin, both exceptional..

Kevin Becker

September 13, 2024

RIP Auntie Joyce

Karen Trudel

September 11, 2024

Joyce was an amazing woman and an inspiration to many of us. She will be sadly missed. I remember her being a kind, caring very generous lady. She did so much for local charities. Truly a blessing she was.

Bonnie Onyon

September 11, 2024

Joyce was a respected icon in the Blaine, WA community for the past 40+ years. I remember her as tenacious, feisty, thoughtful and caring. She will be missed by many in our community.

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Memorial Events
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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

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