Erin J VerHoeven

VerHoeven (45) was welcomed home to heaven. She faced her final year and a half

with the same courage, grit, humor, and hope with which she had inspired friends

and family throughout her life.

Born in Everett, WA, Erin J. (Cole) VerHoeven lived in Snohomish all her life. She

earned a BA in Communications studies at Whitworth University in Spokane, after

which she returned home with the love of her life, Stephen VerHoeven. They

married in 1998, and together they built the house where they lived for over 20

years, and where they raised their two sons, Colby and Grady. Her easy smile and

infectious laugh filled their home with joy and love.

Erin will always be known for the passion and commitment she brought to every

task she took on. In 2001, she co-founded Corstone Contractors, a commercial

contracting company that grew from a small local shop to a successful organization

providing work across the country. Erin served on both the regional and national

boards of the Associated Builders and Contractors, including a term as regional

board president. In this role, she led fundraising efforts and made several trips to

Washington, DC, to lobby on behalf of the construction community. She also served

as board president for the Snohomish Education Foundation until the time of her

diagnosis. A tireless champion of education, she worked to influence the scholarship

committee so that students pursuing education in a trade would have the same access

to financial assistance as those seeking a traditional college route.

Erin showed the same level of dedication in her personal life. An avid reader and

learner, she constantly sought to build community in new ways. Whether she was

training for a half marathon with Steve, planning a trip across the country with

friends, engaging with a culture halfway around the world, or setting out for a

long walk and conversation with her sons, Erin devoted herself to connection. And

connection to family above all. For all her accomplishments, her proudest title was

Colby’s and Grady’s Mom.

Erin’s life centered on an enduring faith in God. Her persistent prayers, stubborn

hope, and commitment to seek joy in every circumstance carried her through even

her toughest days. Following her diagnosis, she made an active choice to settle into

her strong faith and ride the storm. She chose light, and became an outspoken

advocate for colorectal health in her community. In doing so, she saved lives.

Erin passed away peacefully, surrounded by close and extended family, and covered

in prayer. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Stephen; sons Colby (18) and

Grady (16); parents Gordon and Christine Cole; siblings Tia Gruol, Mitch (Grace)

Cole, and twin sister Erica (Jason) Farmer; mother- and father-in-law Bill and Charlotte VerHoeven; sisters-in-law Stephanie (Dan) Taketa and Stacie (Jon) Crump, 11 adored nieces and nephews; loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; countless friends; and a community touched.

The best way to honor her remarkable life is to familiarize yourself and your loved

ones with the symptoms of colon cancers, and to schedule a colonoscopy today if

you are over 45.

The family is grateful for all who knew, loved, and cared for Erin. If you would like

to remember her with a memorial contribution, please consider doing so at The

Snohomish Educational Foundation and/or The Colon Cancer Coalition.

The Visitation will be open to the public on Friday, September 10th from 4-7 PM.

Bauer Funeral Home 711 1st St. Snohomish, WA

The Funeral will be held at Snohomish High School on Saturday, September 11th at 11AM.

1316 5th St. Snohomish, WA (can also be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-8EIJn5d8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-8EIJn5d8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-8EIJn5d8 )

Memorial Contributions may be made to the:

Snohomish Education Foundation: https://www.snoed.org/donate-online/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.snoed.org/donate-online/">https://www.snoed.org/donate-online/ “In Memory of Erin VerHoeven”

-or-

The Colon Cancer Coalition: https://donate.coloncancercoalition.org/memorials/loveforerin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://donate.coloncancercoalition.org/memorials/loveforerin">https://donate.coloncancercoalition.org/memorials/loveforerin

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bauerfuneralchapel.com for the VerHoeven family.