Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Oh, yeah. I lived in California most of my life. I lived in Rosarito Beach, Baja, San Diego, Coronado and Rancho Cucamonga. I loved it there.
What industry did you retire from?
I was in the agricultural business. I was a payroll clerk for San Gabriel Valley Labor Association for 30-some years.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I loved the work; it was all good. We had to have 2,000 checks out by Friday morning for all the workers. They were grape growers and harvesters. My boss was very lenient as long as we got those checks out. It was challenging because it all had to be correct, but I liked that.
If you could have any type of food, what would it be?
They have such great food here. The only thing I crave sometimes is avocado and mango. And the tacos my mom used to make. We call them “Grandma G’s tacos.”
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
That would be my kids. I had two girls. Unfortunately, we lost the younger one when she was 34 years old. My daughters learned from their dad and me and had great work ethic. They went out and did what they wanted to do. My younger daughter was a computer programmer and ran her own jewelry business in the short time she was here. My older daughter pursued education and did teaching. She is now a mediation case manager for civil justice. It is very interesting.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
They taught me to have a good work ethic and to always be kind to people. If you’re kind to others, they will be kind to you!
What is one thing you did or experienced that was scary?
Flying across the Grand Canyon in a helicopter was scary. It was my husband’s idea; everyone said we just had to do it while we were there. It was beautiful, but scary.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Your family is the most important thing in your life. Care for them always; they’ll always be there for you.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I just love my family and talk about them all the time. I have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren — two living in Sweden and one in heaven whom I miss a lot. Losing my daughter was the first loss I experienced, and then my grandson. It was terrible, absolutely tragic, but those are things that happen in life. The only thing that keeps me going through my life is my faith in God. Without Him, I would not be here.
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?
For me, it’s the worst thing that has happened in my lifetime. The pandemic has been so long, and it has kept me from my family. At this stage in my life I didn’t need this. No one did.
What do you like about living at CHCC?
Everybody is very kind and nice. The place is very clean. It’s not home, but it is second to home; they make it very homey. I have been able to adjust very well here, and I have nothing to complain about!