Carolyn Marie Vanderzanden, a resident of the Hillsboro community, passed away on June 24, 2022 at Maryville in Beaverton.

Carolyn was born on September 12, 1944 in Hillsboro, OR. She was the first of six children born to Alfred and Frances (Schmidlin) Delplanche. Carolyn was raised on the family farm in Cornelius. She graduated from Hilhi with the Class of 1962.

After high school, Carolyn attended the University of Portland.

She met her future husband, Curtiss Vanderzanden, while working at the cannery. They soon began dating and four years later, they were married on September 30, 1967 in Verboort, OR. They made their first home together in Orenco until 1972 when they moved to Hillsboro. Together, they had three children, Steven, Jeffery and Linda.

Carolyn was a devoted mother and homemaker. Also was active in church activities including chairing the annual Fall Festival for a few years. When the children were in middle school, Carolyn worked outside of the house as a Youth Minister at St. Matthew Catholic Church and later, for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce where she was involved in the planning of the Oregon International Air Show.

Carolyn enjoyed family road trips, visits to the casino and beach trips; she loved seafood, especially crab. She was an excellent cook and baker and was proud to pass down her mother’s famous potato salad recipe. Carolyn also enjoyed reading and crafting, and always planned  special crafts to do with her grandchildren during the holidays. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed luncheons with the Chamber Ladies. Most of all, Carolyn loved spending time with her family and always made sure to get family photos at get togethers and picnics.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, son; Jeffery Vanderzanden, grandchildren; Crystal and Samantha Jo Vanderzanden, siblings; Gene Delplanche and Linda Delplanche.

She is survived by two children; Steven and Michelle Vanderzanden of North Plains, Linda and Kevin Sahlfeld of Cornelius, three siblings; Richard Delplanche of Beavercreek, Donald Delplanche of California, Kathy Whitmore of Yamhill, two grandchildren; Riley and Carmen Sahlfeld and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Carolyn’s name, to Visitation Catholic Cemetery.