Linda Christine DeGrande

Linda Christine DeGrande, age 64, passed away on September 26, 2011, surrounded by friends and family, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on March 30, 1947, in Vancouver, WA, to Roy and Rita Bakker, she graduated from Evergreen High School in 1965. On May 5, 1967, Linda married her high school sweetheart Harvey DeGrande while he was serving in the US Air Force. Other than the two and a half years during part of Harvey's military duty assignments, Linda lived her entire life in the Vancouver area. Upon returning home after Harvey's military service Linda went to work for the S, P, & S. Railroad Credit Union which would later become Columbia Credit Union. During this time sons Darin and Scott were born. While working at the credit union, Linda established many friendships with employees as well as with members, often helping several generations of families. Linda retired in 2009 after 38 years with the credit union. Linda shared her love of cars with Harvey, and could often be found riding in their 1964 Impala convertible at cruise-ins from the Rod Run in Long Beach to Hot August Nights in Reno. She enjoyed trips to Long Beach while listening to books on tape, traveling to Holland to visit family, annual ski trips to Lake Tahoe, and in later years visits to Scottsdale, Arizona to just relax and enjoy the sun. One of Linda's favorite things to do was spend time with her grandchildren, cheering them on at soccer games or driving them down the "scary hill" to play at the park. Besides her devotion to her family, Linda enjoyed spending time with her friends. The gals learned of the importance of friendship to Linda through bowling leagues, time spent traveling together, car shows, concerts, and play dates with grandchildren. Linda is survived by her husband of 44 years, Harvey; her sons Darin (Heather) and Scott; her three grandchildren Donovan, Delaney, and Reyer; her brother Kieth; her sister Nancy; and countless close friends and family. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Rita Bakker, and her brother Karl. In memory of Linda, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Monday, October 3rd, at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society in honor of Linda's love for animals. Linda's family would like to extend a special appreciation to the Kaiser Permanente Hospice Staff.

Linda Christine DeGrande

March 30, 1947 - September 26, 2011