Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in Seattle and moved to Michigan to go to a Christian college, but I got homesick after a couple years. So, I moved back to Bellingham and finished up my degree at Western. I was much happier here in Washington. We moved to Port Angeles, which was such a beautiful town with lots to do. Then, I ended up here in Lynden and have lived here ever since.
What industry did you retire from?
Believe it or not, I was a high school teacher! I taught just about every subject and really liked the kids. My dad was a teacher, and I loved being able to follow in his footsteps.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
The kids. They were just wonderful and so good to me. Sometimes they could be just stinkers, but overall they were so nice. I can’t remember who started it, but they would stick their tongue out at me, and I would do it right back (which surprised the kids) and we’d be laughing! Some of the teachers had real trouble teaching, but it just came naturally to me.
If you could have any type of food today, what would it be?
I don’t quite have the appetite I used to, but when I was growing up, I would eat anything — besides oatmeal! Don’t even bring it near me! [said with a laugh]
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
Oh, I guess playing piano for my Christian churches. I played for many, including Bethel Christian Reformed Church and First and Second CRC. I just loved that. I also played for all my kids’ weddings, and I was very proud to do that. It was a very special moment.
What is one thing you did or experienced that was scary?
Well, I’ve gotten into a car crash before; that was very scary.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
I look at every day as my favorite. I don’t like to look back on life with regrets. I guess if I had to pick a favorite time of my life, I would pick my high school years. Life was so much easier back then.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
My parents really taught me how to be independent and how to grow up.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person today?
Shut your mouth and open your ears! You can learn a whole lot more by listening. You’ll always be learning as you go through life. And it’s OK to make mistakes!
What is one thing most people don’t know about you but you wish they did?
Some people don’t know I played piano for the church for so many years.
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?
We just have to handle it by following the rules and regulations. It’s how we’ll be able to get through it faster.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
I love how it’s a Christian facility. The workers are so kind.