Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Yes. I graduated in Ferndale, and later we built a house in Everson and lived there for 26 years. While we were building the home, we lived in a 16-foot RV trailer for seven months. We were working so hard to build that home; I was nailing down floorboards while nine months pregnant.
What industry did you retire from?
I used to work at a laundry service business for a little while, then moved on to being a waitress at Big Scoop in Bellingham. It was right across the street from Yeager’s and did pretty well.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I liked the people and the ice cream. I worked at Big Scoop for about five years, until I had my first baby. They treated the workers very well.
If you could have any type of food today, what would it be?
That would be Chinese food from Panda Express. The chow mein with either sweet and sour chicken or the fiery chicken. It’s a little sweet but mostly spicy. We used to go to Haggen when we were kids and get the Chinese food. We called it Haggenese food! [Said with a laugh.]
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
Definitely my children. They are such hard workers; one is a plumber, one is a painter, and one does construction.
What is one thing you did or experienced that was scary?
I’d have to say being 19, getting married and moving out of my mom and dad’s house. It was scary because I really hoped it was the right decision to make. Being on your own is scary at first, but I made it.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
The 80s! I graduated from high school in 1982, and I got married in 1983. It was fun getting out on my own and just starting life. I had kids in 1985, ’87 and ’89. Oh man, what I would give to be 16 again! We didn’t have to worry about anything.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
My parents taught me a lot of life lessons, like how to drive a car — but more importantly, they taught me how to be a compassionate person. My parents also taught me how to develop independence and to follow a straight and narrow line. I am so grateful for them.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person today?
Respect your parents. You only have one mom and dad. You have to realize how important they are in your life. Your parents know more than you think; they were 16 years old at one point, too.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
That might be that I was married for 23 years. Also, I did crotchet when I was younger and was in 4-H. I LOVE playing pinochle and all kinds of card games.
You’ve lived through other historical events — wars and recessions and such. What do you think of the pandemic that we’re living through now?
Honestly, I wish we could just get through it and get rid of these masks.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
I like living here because the workers who take care of us are very friendly and thorough about doing their jobs.