Alberta Henrietta Depagter

DE PAGTER, MRS. ALBERTA HENRIETTA Grand Haven Mrs. Alberta H. DePagter, age 86, died Sunday, May 22, 2005 at North Ottawa Care Center. She was born to Olga and Christian Ernst on Aug. 8, 1918 in the Ann Arbor area. Alberta had stories to tell about living on a farm and knowing the cows by name. She walked to and enjoyed learning in a one room school house. Alberta saw the first automobiles and television sets. Her family survived the depression days, in part, by owning and working a local grocery store/gas station which also offered meals to visitors. She worked at King Sealys and in the kitchen of an elite dormitory at University of Michigan. She married and moved to Grand Haven. Her life then centered around the joy of raising her family of three children and watching her family tree grow to include seventeen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She grew with the history of Grand Haven, enjoying the beauty of this area. She favored the Musical Fountain, The Coast Guard Festivals, walks in Duncan Woods and the Harbor Boardwalk, Fricano pizza, ice cream cones and the trolley rides become traditions. Also, making seven different houses a home in Grand Haven became an easy task for her. Alberta enjoyed crafts, sewing and writing poetry. She was an expert at growing beautiful, healthy flowers and earned awards in flower arranging contests. She taught Sunday School and Cub Scouts and participated in choirs and entertained by playing the piano and violin. Besides being a winning contestant in Bake Off entries, special home baked treats, in her immaculate home, were shared with those who lived with her or came for a visit. She always had time to lend an ear over a cup of tea with many who loved her. The neighborhood coffee clutches were always attended and many smiles and stories were shared there by a special group of friends. Alberta spent many years working at Medallion Instrument, Inc. Robbinswood and several home care and nursing facilities in this community. She was a gifted caretaker and cared deeply about her family, friends and acquaintances around her. She will be missed by many. SURVIVORS Son, Patrick Pam DePagter of Grand Haven, MI; 2 daughters, Marion Roy Randall of Shelby Twp., MI and Connie Najar of Walkerville, MI; 17 grandchildren; 9 greatgrandchildren; sister Mary Moyer of WA; brother, David Leola Ernst of Ann Arbor, MI; several nieces and nephews; Mrs. DePagter was preceded in death by her parents and her twin brother, Albert Ernst. SERVICE Wednesday, May 25, 2005, 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church with Rev. Louis Kraay officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. VISITATION Tuesday, 5-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: contributions may be given to to the family. You may sign the online guest book at " target="_blank">www.clockfuneralhome.com Clock - Grand Haven