Barbara Lynn Vandermolen

Barb was born to Jacquelynn (Rottier) and Cornelius Boomsma in Gary, Indiana in 1958. She graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1976. Later, she received her BS degree from Cleveland State University as well as her Masters degree from Purdue University, both in business. Barb met and married her high school sweetheart, Gary VanderMolen.

Barb ran her race of life with passion for her family, her friends, her work and her pursuit of the Lord.

She worked most recently as Vice President of Finance at A.O. Smith. Her previous roles were in Finance / Audit at School Specialty in Wisconsin, General Electric and Great Lakes Chemical in Indiana and Arthur Andersen in Ohio. Barb pursued excellence in the workplace and very much enjoyed her career – not only the job content and opportunities, but also international travel, women’s leadership and the mentoring opportunities that her career provided.

Barb’s pursuit of the Lord included intense study of the Word, time spent enjoying His creation through nature – especially flowers, and spending time with others - encouraging them in their faith walk. She also served at Magdalene House / Thistle Farms and ministered to refugees in the Nashville area.

Barb was a genuine encourager of her friends and family. “She believed in me.” “She saw potential in me I didn’t see in myself.” She listened well and asked great questions. After spending time with Barb, one felt seen, heard, encouraged and loved.

She lived with a zest for life – making the most of every opportunity. She was oftentimes the first to volunteer to try something new (jumping off a cliff, riding an elephant, eating crickets) and wanted not only herself, but everyone around her to have the best experiences (in food, career, travel, gifts, conversation, experiencing nature, pickleball). Now that she’s won her race, she’s passing the baton to us. Her legacy – “Live Today Well” – prompts us all to make the most of our moments and our days.

Barb is preceded in death (and joins in heaven!) her son, Ryan Lee VanderMolen (1976-1982) and her father, Cornelius Boomsma. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary VanderMolen. Barb is survived by her daughter and family, Megan (Dave) Gillum, and their children Maggie, Daniel and Nathan, as well as her son Brett (Faith) VanderMolen, and their children Harper and Hudson. She is also survived by her mother, Jacquelynn (Bob) Vanderlinden and her siblings, Steve Boomsma, Julie Glessner and Beth Fitzgerald.

We will celebrate Barb’s life through time together at the Long Hollow Baptist Church chapel (3031 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN) on May 15th. Remembrance time will be from 9 – 11 am, with a memorial service following at 11:15 am. If you desire to give a donation on Barb’s behalf, please make a donation to an organization close to her heart, Thistle Farms (https://thistlefarms.org/pages/give or send to Thistle Farms, 5122 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209).