Our beloved Mom and Grandma, Pauline May Tanggard VanDerMeer passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2024. She was born in Seattle on January 21, 1926 to parents Ludwig Tanggard and Juno Young; she was 98 years old. She met her childhood sweetheart and future husband, Ernie VanDerMeer, while attending Roosevelt High School when he was delivering the Seattle Times to her doorstep. It was a match made in heaven and they were truly inseparable throughout their lives. Her husband predeceased her in 2012, but her continued love for him never wavered.

She is survived by her three daughters; Erlene VanDerMeer of Oak Harbor, Judy VanDerMeer of Allyn and Cheryl VanDerMeer-Martin (Larry Martin) of Edmonds; plus grandsons Brett and Derek Matthews, and Stuart, James and Jeff Martin.

Pauline loved and lived for her husband for almost 70 years; together they enjoyed camping, boating, traveling the entire United States in their RV, and exploring many other countries worldwide. They were also snowbirds in Arizona for 25 years and made many lasting friendships. She was the consummate hostess; a whiz with the sewing machine creating beautiful clothes, cheerleader outfits, upholstery and draperies, to perfectly tailored suits and wedding dresses for her daughters. She supported her daughters as a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader and participated in many years of cookie sales. She was a master cake decorator, chef extraordinaire, and had a passion for gardening. There was nothing she couldn't master; including household repairs, cleaning the gutters, playing cribbage and bridge, and water skiing into her late 70's.

She will forever be missed by her family, but had a very fulfilling and long life. She left us with a legacy to always be positive and strong; please love yourself and raise a glass in her honor.

A celebration of life will be held at Dusted Valley Wine Bar in Edmonds on May 8th. For those that wish to attend, please contact Cheryl at 425-772-1368. There will be a private family service at a later time and her ashes will be spread in the Salish Sea where she will once again be with Ernie, the love of her life.