PANTON — Agnes DeGraaf Boelens, age 76, went to be home with her Lord on Aug. 15, 2020. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love, after struggling with interstitial lung disease. Agnes immigrated to the greater Vergennes area from the Netherlands at the age of 14 with her family. She graduated from Vergennes Union High School.
Agnes, her husband Ted, and family lived in New York, Vermont, Kansas, Michigan and Florida, where she worked as a purchasing agent, bookkeeper, and assistant treasurer. In 1993, Agnes and Ted returned to Vermont, where they owned and operated the Little Otter General Store in Ferrisburgh for 14 years. She poured her heart into the business and used her sharp, organized, logical brain, and her love of numbers, bookkeeping, and people to make it a success.
Agnes was a devoted member of Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church, where she faithfully worshiped, played the organ, and sang with all of her heart. She also was an avid and passionate supporter of Champlain Valley Christian School where she volunteered in numerous ways, served on the board for six years, and shared her gifts and talents in whatever capacity was needed.
She cherished family and was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and loyal friend. She enjoyed a competitive game of cards, a good cup of coffee, and a lively conversation. Agnes will be remembered for her strong faith, her loving heart, generous giving, mind for business, sage advice, and great sense of humor.
Agnes always enjoyed sitting by the lake chatting, watching the kids, or reading a book on the deck at her favorite summer spot, Shadow Lake, in Glover, Vt. She made many fond memories there since 1979 and particularly loved the annual 4th of July family week.
Agnes is survived by her husband Ted Boelens; son Scott (Elaine) Boelens of Virginia; son Erik (Mona) Boelens of Illinois; daughter Kelly Boelens of Vergennes; and five grandchildren, Laura, Noah, Anneke, Ethan and Eli. She is predeceased by her grandson Aidan. Agnes is survived by her six siblings John (Elisabeth) DeGraaf, Robert (Joan) DeGraaf, Charlie (Vickie) DeGraaf, Gerrit (June) DeGraaf, Martha (Bert) Gosliga, Harold (Anje) DeGraaf and their families.
Her celebration of life will be at a later date in the fall. Visit Brown-McClay Funeral Homes online at brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences for the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her beloved Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church Street, Vergennes, VT 05491.◊