Agatha Van Wingerden

June 12, 1924 - December 27, 2019

Agatha Van Wingerden June 12, 1924-December 27, 2019 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 the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters of Adrianes and Jacoba Vijverberg in Naaldwijk, the Netherlands on June 12th, 1924. Much of her younger years were spend learning the skills of home making and caring for her ailing mother whom she lost at sixteen years old. She met our father Hank who lived in the same town and they married in 1948. Together they had seven children. In 1967 the family moved from The Netherlands to Carpinteria, California to grow flowers, accompanied by three of Hank’s brothers and one sister and their families. At the age of forty three, this was quite a change for her. She had to learn English and find her way in a new land and in a different culture. Her resoluteness and resourcefulness together with the support of her sisters-in-law made the passage for all of us children almost without incident. As a mother her life was centered first and foremost on her children and her husband. And 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. Her last years were spent at GranVida retirement home where she was surrounded by friends and the loving care of the staff. Our father Hank preceded her in death in 2006. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph church, 1532 Linden Ave. in Carpinteria on Friday, January 10th at 11 AM in the morning followed by her burial at Carpinteria cemetery. Viewing hours at Welch-Rice-Haider funeral home, 15 E. Sola Street in Santa Barbara will be from 9 AM to 5 PM on Wed. Jan 8 and from 9 AM to 8 PM on Thu. Jan 9th with a prayer of the Rosary at 7 PM that night. Her children Harry (Michele), Adrian (José), Elly (Doug), Ineke (Sipko), Fred (Edith), Carl and Yolanda (John) and grandchildren Erik, Kristie, Kami, Katie, Kyla, Christopher, Stephanie, Robert, Tony, Marcos and Silvia and eighteen great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Girl’s Inc. of Carpinteria or your favorite charity in honor of mom.