Panton—Agnes DeGraaf Boelens, age 76, went to be home with her Lord on August 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, VT 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 Champlin 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 5 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 www.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.
My sincere condolences to all the DeGraff family. I so enjoyed visiting with Ted and Agnes at the store, as well as everyone else that by.
So sorry to read this always enjoyed chatting with her God bless
So sorry to hear about Aggie. Worked with her way back when at Simmonds Precision, Purchasing Department. She taught me so much and soon became a good friend. She had a great sense of humor and just an all around good woman. Condolences Ted and family. Hugs and love to you all. Rest in Peace dear lady. You will be missed by so very many.
To the Degraff Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Agnes passing.
I had the pleasure of spending a summer afternoon with Agnes at her camp at Shadow Lake a summer or 2 ago. Glover and Shadow Lake are a very special place. I’m so glad Agnes got to spend some time there this summer.
So sorry for your loss.
Judy Smith LeMay
Sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Agnes as a strong smiling woman always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Her picture here is how I alway saw her. When coming back to visit Vermont she was always one of the first to say hello. The world list a good woman but heaven gained a great one. Prayers and thought with you all.
I was blessed by her wisdom and her wit. She will be missed.
I remember when Agnes and her family arrived to the Untied Sates…My family sponsored them and Agnes was the only one who could speak some English. I became great friends with Agnes and her family and they taught me so much. I regret that I didn’t keep up our friendship…sad to say when we go our separate ways in life we don’t cherish our childhood friends. RIP
Condolences to the family and friends. I am so sorry
For many years Agnes and Ted started my morning filled with sunshine, even on a rainy day. A cup of coffee, maybe a treat, and she made the very best sandwiches in the world…It was her kindness, stamina and caring that always made me want to hang out longer, but had to clock in at work.
I send my very sincere condolences to Ted and family, as I know she will be sorely missed. May she be at peace.
Ruthie Nye
So sorry to hear of your sisters passing.
My dear Agnus, I will miss you so.
Shadow Lake is missing another mother of the lake. We are thinking of Ted and his family as they reminisce about the wonderful times with Agnes at Shadow Lake.
Dear Ted, Larry and I are so sorry for your loss. Agnes will be missed by all. She had the most wonderful smile that made you know she was a happy person. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Sara and Larry Gluckman
Agnes’ loving nature will be remembered by all. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Was a privilege to know her.-The Stone Family
I am praying for the family. She was such a lovely lady. I don’t think there ever was a time that I didn’t see her smiling.
Dear Ted, Scott, Eric and Kelly”
We will always cherish our friendship with your family. From the time we first met you many years ago in Kansas City, you have been very dear friends throughout the years. Agnes has always been so much fun to be around and provided us with memories to cherish. We have fond memories of our cruise to Alaska together as well. She will be truly missed by all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. It is so comforting to know that she is now in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Our condolences to all of you and we pray for God’s peace and comfort to you at this time.
So sorry to hear this news. Agnes was always a ray of sunshine. Sincere condolences to Ted and the DeGraff family.
Our prayers are with you all at this sad time. We will always remember Agnes for her smile and warm welcome whenever we visited her church or saw her at an event. We rejoice that she is with the Lord and singing and playing music there too, but will miss her. May the Lord comfort and bless you.
John and I are sorry for your loss. We will remember her warm smile as she greeted us when we performed with the gospel choir. She always made us feel so welcome. She was sincerely interested in what was going on in our lives.
I remember when Agnes and her whole family arrived in Vergennes and sat in the pew a few in front of us at the Vergennes Congregational Church. I always looked forward to them arriving to see what color bow her little sister, Martha , wore in her hair that Sunday! My parents took us to the farm to see their “beautiful farm”. My father, Van Howe, loved farming and had the greatest respect for Mr and Mrs. Degraf and their strength. We grew to be close to the family. Mr and Mrs DeGraf were welcoming and when my parents took their first vacation from us five kids and went to the Virgin Islands for a week they confidently left Agnes babysitting for us in Vergennes! She had no problem reining in my brother, Peter, who was a great tease! We felt that she had had practice with her own brothers for a long time! We knew her beautiful smile and good sense of humor were unbeatable! I visit Vergennes annually and love driving past the farm with all it’s happy memories.
I hold you all in my prayers. May you find comfort in the knowledge that she is with the Lord and may His strength help you go on each day. Warm memories of Agnes will make you smile.
Pam Howe Shields