Johanna "Jessie" Willemsen Vandam

Hobbies that Jessie enjoyed were reading and crocheting, and many beautiful afghans will now become cherished possessions of her family and friends. Jessie also enjoyed traveling, and in the early days with Hank and their friends they explored other countries as well as the U.S and also made numerous fishing trips. In the last few years she enjoyed relaxing at her home in Palm Springs with her daughters.

Jessie was subtle about her faith in God, but in those last days it became clear that she was secure in her salvation and with extreme courage and grace she faced the future, knowing she would be joining her Savior and loved ones in heaven.

Among the loved ones Jessie was looking forward to being reunited with is her beloved husband of many years, Hank VanDam. Her parents, Carrie and Henry Willemsen, her sister, Rieka VanderFeer, and her brothers, Henry, Gilbert and Bernie Willemsen. Her good friend of many years, Ailene Poortinga, preceded her by only a few weeks.

She is survived by her children; Thelma Sayers, Karen (Dale) Pickett, Nick (Vicki) VanDam, Marie VanDam, and Henry (Becky) VanDam. Her family all lived close by and was a great source of comfort to her in her final days. Grandchildren left behind are Jody (Sayers) Wold and David Sayers, Rod and Kevin Pickett, Jillian VanDam, Josie, Jennifer and Nicolas VanDam, and Jalene Schotthoefer. Great grandchildren are Calvin and Colton Wold, Taelor and Kenley Pickett, and Lauren Kallicott.

Jessie had one surviving brother who she treasured, Jake (Jeanette) Willemsen, of Buellton, Ca. and two special nieces, whom she helped raise and thought of as her own, Carolyn Driesen and Frances VanLaar. Her dear friend, Agnes Bollema, was a much loved companion and was by her side until the end.

Viewing will be held Monday, February 20, 2012, 12 noon – 7:00 p.m. at Weller funeral Home, 327 N. MacLeod Ave., Arlington, WA. A celebration of life will be held at the Cascade Christian Reformed Church, 13908 51st Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98271 on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jessie's name would be welcomed by the new building fund of the church (www.cascadecrc.org) and Providence Hospice and Home Care (www2.providence.org/northwest-washington/hospice-homecare-snohomish-county/donate)

Arrangements under the direction of Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, WA.