Leona Mae Roetcisoender Gelderman

Leona Mae Roetcisoender Gelderman was born on March 10, 1930, in Duvall to Frances and Hielke Roetcisoender. Raised on a dairy farm, Leona grew up in a hardworking Dutch Christian Reformed family as the third of seven children. She attended elementary school in Duvall and junior and senior high school in Monroe, graduating from Monroe High School in 1948.

As a young girl, she changed her name to “Leone” when she entered junior high. Her father affectionately nicknamed her “Oni,” which later became “Noni” among her siblings, nieces, and nephews—a beloved name that stayed with her throughout her life.

After graduation, Leone moved to Seattle, where she worked for two years at United Pacific Insurance Company. She then spent two years working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Those who knew her well often heard her fondly refer to her time at the “Bureau,” a chapter of her life she spoke about with pride. She treasured letters signed by J. Edgar Hoover, including a congratulatory note upon her marriage.

Leone married George Gelderman on August 31, 1951. Family stories tell that George preferred the name “Lee,” and it quickly became the name by which most people knew her. Together they welcomed three children: Greg, Reginald (“Reg”), and Gayl.

While raising her young family, Lee attended beauty school from 1967 to 1968 and earned her cosmetology license. She worked for Lanz Hair Design for several years before opening a home salon in the basement of their Lake Forest Park home, where she provided haircuts, perms, and color services for many loyal clients and friends.

As empty nesters, Lee and George embraced adventure and the outdoors. Lee became an avid hiker and also enjoyed tennis, bicycling, gardening, walking, and traveling. Their travels took them throughout North America, including trips to Edmonton, Alberta, Washington DC, and Alaska, as well as a nine-week cross-country motorhome journey. One memorable six-week trip included driving the Yukon and much of Alaska. In 1994, Lee and George traveled throughout Israel and were baptized in the Jordan River—a cherished highlight of her life.

Lee faithfully served others through numerous volunteer activities. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as both vice president and president of the women’s association at church. She cut hair for individuals with cerebral palsy and for nursing home residents, facilitated Bible Study Fellowship groups, sewed and quilted for missions, and lovingly cared for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending her later years following the Seattle Seahawks and celebrating Mariners victories with family. Above all, Lee was known as a devoted prayer warrior.

Lee was blessed with six grandchildren: Suzanne Gelderman Rivera, Stacey Babcock (Matt), Kasey Phillips (Layne), Amanda Gelderman-Brant (Michel), CJ Gelderman (Hailey) and Rae Dorcas (Kaitlyn). She also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren: Rhett (Jolie), Austin, Reese, Mateo, Greg, Grant, Grace, Josiah, Kennedi and Codie; and one great-great-grandson, Kanaan.

Lee is survived by her daughter, Gayl; daughters-in-law Beverly and Julie; siblings Sharon Drivstuen (Gary) and Dale Roetcisoender along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, George, and her sons, Greg and Reg.