Julia C. Van Halm

Julia Clare Douma Van Halm passed away on July 24, 2014 in Lynden, Washington; she was 80 years old. Julia was born in Overschie outside of Rotterdam in the Netherlands on March 8, 1934 to Sybren and Elisabet Douma. Julia immigrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1949 with her parents and siblings. She attended Calvin College and graduated at nineteen in 1953, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in English. While visiting her grandmother in the Netherlands she met Dutchman Wigger “Rook” Van Halm on a trip to Austria in 1955. They married in June of 1957 in Michigan, later moving to Bellingham, WA in 1959. She had a long career as a registered medical technologist in Whatcom County and was a member of St. James Presbyterian Church. Julia was a down to earth early environmentalist who enjoyed volunteering at the local food bank. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles as well as taking walks. Julia was an accomplished knitter and an avid reader who truly consumed books! Julia is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Rook Van Halm of Bellingham, who presently resides at Lynden Manor, Lynden. Her children are Elizabeth McLean and husband Robert of Richland, WA and Thomas Van Halm and wife Margo of Bellevue, WA. She is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren: Julia and Thomas McLean and David and Mariah Van Halm. Julia’s siblings are Francine Titus (deceased) and husband Glenn of Bellingham, Jeltje Mulder and husband Henk (deceased) of Grand Rapids, MI, Peter Douma and wife Mardi of Byron Center, MI, Edward Douma and wife Carolyn of Byron Center, MI and many loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Lynden Manor Specialty Wing for their dedicated and loving care of Julia these last several years. In addition they would like to thank Whatcom Hospice for their excellent support. Farewell Tribute Information There will be a memorial service at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th Street, Bellingham, WA on Friday, August 22nd at 11:30 am. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer Society of Washington, 1308 Meador Ave., Suite C-01, Bellingham, WA 98229.

Julia C. Van Halm

March 8, 1934 - July 24, 2014