Marie Tichelaar

Marie N. Tichelaar, age 87, died July 12, 2010, after suffering a severe stroke. She was born in Poltawa (Poltava), Ukraine, on January 7, 1923, as Maria Jaroschenko (Naidenowa). She lost her brothers and sisters in the famines of Stalin’s reign. When she was 18, she was taken prisoner as a forced laborer and transported to Germany. On the prison farm, she met Botte Tichelaar; together they fled to the Netherlands. They were married on May 24, 1945. The Soviets began to repatriate their citizens, treating them as traitors, some being sent to the GULAG prisons, so Botte and Marie again fled, and this time to the United States. They lived first in the Artesia-Bellflower area of California, and then moved to the Lynden area in 1953. She was a proud citizen of her adopted land. Mama loved her family unconditionally; and generously shared her flowers, seedling plants, garden produce and baked goods with all she came in contact.

 

Marie was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; her father, Mifodi Naidenowa; mother, Irina “Irene” Jaroschenko (Naidenowa); husband, Botte “Bert” Tichelaar; and son-in-law, Howard Hawke.

 

Marie is survived by her children, Irene (David) Silverman of Liberty Lake, and Tillie “Penny” Hawke, Annie (Jim) Johnston and son, John (Susan) Tichelaar of Bellingham, as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

 

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at St. Josephs Hospital, Whatcom Hospice, and the Christian Health Care Center for providing Mama and her family comfort during her last days. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, Bellingham, and the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.