Agatha Van Wingerden
In the early morning of December 27th, 2019 our dear mother, Oma, and great -grandmother at the age of 95 years passed into the presence of the Eternal Light. Often in her last years she expressed the desire to have the Good Lord take her to Him. A sudden illness and a short period of suffering preceded her final hours. Her eyes shone with gratitude and peace before she closed them for the last time as she gently took leave of us.
She was born on June 12th, 1924, the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters to Adrianes and Jacoba Vijverberg in Naaldwijk, the Netherlands. Much of her younger years were spent learning the skills of home making and caring for her ailing mother whom she lost at 16 years old. She met Hank Van Wingerden in the same town and they were married in 1948. Together they had seven children. In 1967 she and Hank moved their family from The Netherlands to Carpinteria, California, to grow flowers and were accompanied by three of Hank’s brothers and one sister and their families. At the age of 43, this was quite a change for her as she had to learn English and find her way in a new land and different culture. Her resourcefulness and resolve were instrumental in managing her household and she was an incredible support to her husband, brother and sister-in-laws in growing a prominent cut flower business in Carpinteria.
As a mother, her life was centered first and foremost on her children and her husband. if there were medals of Honor for mothers and wives, our mother would certainly have received one. Her dedication and sacrifice for her family was constant and therefore almost indistinguishable of who she was. Her joy and pride were her family.
Only wanting to know we were happy, she was a supportive, patient and loving mother.
She graciously had an open door and open heart to all who came to visit from near or far even unannounced. Their gratitude showed in their comments in the guest books that Mom kept over the years. She loved to entertain and was a wonderfully attentive and caring hostess. Her pool parties were memorable and a favorite for all family and friends. For many years she brought friendship, meals and flowers to those in need as a volunteer for Meals On Wheels. Her energy was bountiful when someone needed help, particularly the elderly.
When Dad retired, they joined the Lawn Bowling Club in Santa Barbara and made many life-long friends. Additionally, they traveled quite extensively. Mom loved taking photos and put together beautiful photo albums of their amazing trips.
Her last years were spent at GranVida retirement home in Carpineria where she was surrounded by friends and the loving care of the staff.
Our father and her husband Hank, preceded her in death in 2006.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, 1532 Linden Ave. in Carpinteria on Friday, January 10th at 11 AM followed by her burial at Carpinteria cemetery, and a Celebration of her Life at Lion’s Club Park.
Viewing hours at Welch-Rice-Haider funeral home, 15 E. Sola Street in Santa Barbara, will be from 9 AM to 5PM on Wed. Jan 8th and from 9 AM to 8 PM on Thu. Jan 9th, with the prayer of the Rosary at 7PM at Welch-Rice on Thursday.
Her children Harry (Michele), Adrian (José), Elly (Doug), Ineke (Sipko), Fred (Edith), Carl and Yolanda (John) and grandchildren Erik, Kristi, Kami, Katie, Kyla, Christopher, Stephanie, Robert, Tony, Marcos and Silvia and eighteen great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations can be made to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, or your favorite charity in honor of our mother.