Seki Malone Vander Giessen

Seki Kitayama Malone Vander Giessen sadly passed away on June 27, 2025 in Bellingham.

She was born Feb. 1, 1947 in Osaka, Japan and grew up in Sasebo, Japan until moving to Gresham, Oregon in 1970. Seki was welcomed by her new parents, Herman and Betty Malone. She was married to their oldest son for a short time which blessed her with two amazing sons and was always lovingly supported by both Herman and Betty until their passing. On July 19 2003 Seki married Dale Vander Giessen. They celebrated their marriage at their beautiful home overlooking Drayton Harbor, in Blaine. Seki loved tending to her beautiful yard where she hosted several wedding celebrations and hosted many family and friend gatherings. For many years she loved cooking meals for the church and feeding the homeless through an organization called Hugs in A Bag. Seki enjoyed helping others locally and traveling on mission trips to Tapalpa, Mexico.

Seki is survived by her husband Dale, her two sons Cristopher and Matthew Malone, grandchildren Mitchell, Alexi, Amaris and Marli. She was a loving step-mother to Dale's daughters Theresa (David) Alaniz, Kathy Vander Giessen and Kristin Beard (Todd). Grandchildren Paul, Taylor, Trey, Payton, Kaylee and Kelly Alaniz, Declan, Macy and Saylee Beard, Asia and Jonathan Rodriguez and Great-grandchildren Koa Bash and Ailani Malone.

She was preceded in death by Dale's daughter Angie and her American parents, Herman and Betty Malone, who she loved so very much.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 3:00 PM at Sunrise Baptist Church in Custer, WA

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to whatcomhospice.org.