Veronica Mary Westford

After 103 beautiful years, Veronica Mary Westford passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018 in Bellingham, WA. Born December 11, 1914 in Mohall, North Dakota to Tom and Ruth Rocke, she was the second oldest of nine children and grew up on the family farm. While working as a registered nurse at a hospital in 1936, one of her patients was John E. Westford, a local funeral director. They had an immediate connection. John moved out West to Bellingham, WA, and Veronica soon followed. On June 13, 1938 they were married at Church of the Assumption. Together they raised their five children; Joanne, Jack, Jim, Barbara and Mike. In 1943 they purchased Homer Mark Mortuary, which would become Westford Funeral Home. Veronica was a great support to John’s political career as Mayor of Bellingham from 1956-1968. She attended Church of the Assumption and later Sacred Heart, and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Veronica and Johnny were active in the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, Bellingham Yacht Club, and the Lions Club. Her volunteer efforts included organizing the Mary Knight Hospital Guild and the Culinary Cruise cancer fundraiser, and she was an honorary lifetime member of the WA State board of the American Cancer Society. In their retirement years they wintered at the Happy Wanderer in Indio, CA. Veronica maintained a special relationship with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids who knew her as “Grams”. Known by some as “Lady Veronica”, she was gracious, endearing and an excellent hostess. Veronica was preceded in death by husband John (1991); daughters Joanne (2009) and Barbara (2013); siblings, Vincent, Jim, Dorothy “Dova”, Pat, Fran “Mike” and Winnie. She is survived by three sons, Jack (Nancy) Westford, Jim (Micki) Westford and Mike (Connie) Westford; son-in-law, Kurt Danielson; 11 grandchildren, Shaughn (John), Ian, Cheryl (Brad), Erikka, Travis, Tyler, Brenda, Rob (Rianna), AJ (Kayleen), Jason and Michelle (David); 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters Grace Reid and Joan Boone, and many loving relatives and friends. Grams, as the “Rocke” of our family for so many years, inspired us to be strong when times are tough, to love our families, and to remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Grams, we love you with all of our hearts and you will live on with each of us forever. Memorials may be made to Hope House c/o Church of the Assumption, 2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA, 98225. A vigil prayer service with sharing time will be held at Westford Funeral Home at 5 PM on Sunday, January 21st, followed by a dinner reception across the street at Westford’s Broadway Hall. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption at 10:30 AM on Monday, January, 22nd. Reception following at the Church. Final resting place will be Bayview Cemetery. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .