Notities persoon: |
Moeder: Trijntje Hertel (born Roerig)
Vader: Wieberen Hertel
Zus: Anje Goudberg (born Hertel)
Broer: Johannes Hertel
Broer: Gerardus Hertel
Broer: Berend Hertel
Broer: Nicholaas Hertel
Broer: Jan Hertel
Broer: Gepko Hertel
Broer: Wieberen Hertel
Broer: Arnold Hertel
Agnes Vermeer is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, having been born there in 1901. Her father had studied for the ministry in the Netherlands - However, after finishing he didn’t feel this to be his calling and instead chose carpentry to be his life’s work. Agnes lived in a busy household as she had one sister and eight brothers. She and her older sister were a big help to their mother. Their brothers also made the girls feel needed. "Please iron a shirt for me" or "Will you please press my pants" were favors they were often asked to do.
After Agnes met and married her husband, Henry (VERMEER), they moved to Berkeley. Henry was a student and wanted to get his education at the University. One of the first things he found himself doing was fighting a fire. In 1923, the hilly area around the University caught fire. The students all helped in fighting this fire to save their school. They were successful in doing this and Henry could study at the school of his choice.
Agnes was rather lonesome in their new surroundings where they virtually knew no one. She missed her family. In order to fill the long days, she decided to go to work. She had gone to a Business College in Grand Rapids, MI and now put her ShorthandAnd Typing skills to use as a Secretary. She first worked in San Francisco but later found a job in Oakland where they were now living.
When Agnes became a mother, she stayed home to raise her two boys. Both of the boys were encouraged to get an education. Bob became a minister in the Christian Reformed Church. He retired and later died in Lynden, Washington. Don lives in San Luis Obispo, CA. A niece, Kay, also has a special interest In Aunt Agnes.
When Agnes became 65, she had too much time on her hands and decided to go back to work. She was still, proficient in her secretarial skills. At the age of 71, she decided now was the time to retire.
Agnes and Henry lived in Oakland for 49 years. Then they gave up their home and moved to an apartment in Alameda. During all these many years, they faithfully attended the Alameda (Christian Reformed) Church. During the war years, their home was always open to the servicemen stationed in the Bay area. Agnes still has the guest book filled with their many names. To this day, she keeps in touch with some of the friends she made.
Moving to the Bethany Apartments in Ripon, CA was not difficult for Henry and Agnes. Many of the servicemen they had entertained were from Ripon so moving here was like coming to a community of old friends.
Besides having had the usual hobbies of sewing and handwork, Agnes is an avid reader. She is a faithful patron of our church library. Letter writing, was also a favorite thing to do. Since she came from a large family and Henry was one of 11 children, there was always someone to write to. Her faithful typewriter helps her correspond with friends and relatives yet today.
Agnes, you have already been blessed with a long and fruitful life. May the God you love continue to be with you in the ears He still has in store for you. [Written in 1998 by the staff of Bethany Home where Agnes VERMEER lived.] |
