Pamela Sue Vanderlinde

It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Mother, Pamela Sue Vanderlinde. On Wednesday, June 24th, after the best of days, Mom was called home to her Heavenly Father.

Mom was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 12, 1948. She was the third of five children born to her parents, Nellie and Stephen Balkema. It was in her own childhood, watching her mother navigate raising five children, that Mom learned the values that would guide her throughout her life. She lived by her faith, kindness, honesty, hard work, sacrifice, and family above all else.

Pam started her working career caring for others as a nurse at the Traverse City State Hospital. She then transitioned to the Traverse City Post Office. In the Post Office, she found coworkers that became lifelong friends.

It was in Traverse City where Mom met the love of her life, Paul Charles Vanderlinde.Dad says he knew she was the one from the very start! They married on December 27, 1969, and began a life full of love, adventure, good stories, and great friends.

In 1978 Mom and Dad moved to Leelanau County and built their dream home. Together, in the home they built us, they gave us a beautiful life. Mom filled each room with so much love. She could take the everyday ordinary, and make it feel so special. As they grew older, Mom and Dad’s dedication to each other grew as well. They spent the last few years rocking on that same front porch, reminiscing of lives well lived.

Mom was a light so bright, one couldn’t help but be warmed by her. She had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. Mom had a huge heart that knew no end. Her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she came across. Her greatest joys wereher children and her grandchildren. She loved us dearly and was always so proud of each of us.

It’s Mom’s strength that we draw on in the days ahead. Her loss is felt deeply by those she leaves behind: her husband, Paulie; beloved children, son Justin (Jaime), daughter Sarah (Josh), and daughter Laura (Brian); her five grandchildren, Sawyer, Scarlett, Oliver, Vincent, and Violet; her two sisters, Mary and Barb; and dozens of honorary grandchildren who call her Grandma Pammie.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Stephen Balkema; brothers Danny and Bruce; and her two heavenly grandchildren, Wiley and Charlotte.

In our Mom’s honor, please call a friend, care for a stranger, and invest in kindness. Make the best of each day, and have fun while you can.

Per Mom’s request, a family graveside service will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in honor of Pam to the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Grand Traverse Pavilions - specifically the Activities Fund.

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