Agnes was born in Tourcoing, France, on March 1, 1943, during the turmoil of World War II. Growing up near the Belgian border in a time of hardship and scarcity, she and her siblings often had to find ways to bring food from Belgium to help sustain their family. On one occasion, coffee was hidden beneath a blanket in Agnes’s buggy, only for a border guard to recognize the scent and confiscate it. These early experiences instilled in Agnes a deep resilience, resourcefulness, and appreciation for life’s simple joys.
One of seven siblings—four sisters and two brothers—Agnes carried a spirit of kindness, intelligence, and adventure throughout her life. She moved to the United States to attend the University of Washington, where she excelled academically, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and earning a Master’s Degree in French Literature. She had a brilliant mind, a love of learning, and a natural curiosity that shaped her life and career.
Agnes is survived by her husband, Stan, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage filled with adventure, resilience, and deep companionship. Together, they embraced new challenges—whether through business endeavors like The Swallow’s Nest, her support of Alaska fishing operations, or their shared love of the outdoors. A true adventurer, Agnes was an avid mountaineer and kayaker in her younger years, and later, an enthusiastic walker, often seen striding briskly through Seattle or Poulsbo, rain or shine.
After more than four decades in Seattle, Agnes and Stan retired to Poulsbo, Washington, in 2014. She found great joy in her gardens, tending to flowers and vegetables with skill and care. Their land in Seabeck was a special retreat where they cultivated fruit trees, a thriving vegetable garden, and a landscape that reflected their deep appreciation for nature. It is a place that will continue to grow and flourish, offering beauty, peace, and a quiet sanctuary for those who walk its paths in the years to come.
Beyond her love of nature, Agnes had a deep appreciation for art, carefully curating a collection of pieces that spoke to her keen aesthetic sense. She followed politics closely and was deeply engaged with world events. She was known for her kindness and thoughtfulness, often sending beautifully written notes to those she cared about. She formed lifelong friendships built on wisdom, warmth, and a sharp sense of humor.
Agnes had a quiet but profound presence. She made a lasting impact on those around her, and to be her friend was an extraordinary gift.
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Agnes and her mother cruising the Hood Canal near Seabeck during a college-era visit.
Standing with her mother on the dock at Seabeck low tide.
Agnes looking out over a bright Lake Chelan.
Enjoying the pool, Lake Chelan, WA.
With Bernard and mother, in the backyard at Seabeck
Enjoying the Arboretum.
Graduation day.
Graduating with honors.
Celebrating graduation with Pop on the University of Washington campus.
Drumheller Fountain, University of Washington.
With Stan at the Seabeck home.
On a hike near Mount Baker, surrounded by alpine wildflowers.
Agnes and Stan on their wedding day.
A special wedding moment with Pop and both our moms.
Our first home on Miami Beach Road along the canal.
Harvesting carrots from the garden for one of Agnes’ perfect salads.
Beside her Ballard chicken coop.
With her vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom in the Ballard backyard.
Perched on a rock amid wildflowers in the North Cascades.
Amongst the daisies with Mount Rainier beyond.
With her mother and family in France.
Gathering for a multi-generational family photo in France.
Agnes and Marthe by a stunning bougainvillea in France.
Marthe and Agnes walking across a small pedestrian bridge in France.
With Marthe under towering old-growth at Quinault.
A smiling family photo with relatives in France.
Another family grouping in France.
Enjoying a moment among the flowers on her Ballard patio.
Tending the Ballard garden with her signature care.
Among her azaleas
Watering blooms on the front steps in Ballard.
A typical dinner at Anthony’s.
Agnes reviewing a menu, likely considering every detail.
With her sisters gathered at Anthony’s for a meal
Agnes with Marthe and mom, enjoying time together outdoors at Seabeck.
Mansion at Pla de Baix in France.
Visiting Plan-de-Baix with family.
Agnes at St-Andéol.
A shared meal with Bernard and Mimi.
A quiet moment in Ballard, surrounded by flowers.
Reeve family in Seabeck with great-niece Addey
Agnes with her sisters-in-law Perry & Youn Hee, in Poulsbo.
Agnes’s sporty side—Mercedes at Seabeck.
With Cory among the tomatoes, 2007.
Agnes at work—tractor and all!
With Cory and great cover crop, June 2022.
Agnes in action, prepping garden beets with care.
