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 resilience, resourcefulness, and an enduring 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 devoted 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. Agnes’s adventurous spirit first carried her up mountains as a dedicated climber. In time, that spirit found new expression in travels with Stan, where they delighted in the food, culture, and vineyards of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. No matter the season or place, Agnes kept up her brisk walks, a constant thread in her life—rain or shine.
After more than four decades in Seattle, Agnes and Stan retired to Poulsbo, Washington, in 2014. She found 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 great 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 strong 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.
Agnes and her mother cruising the Hood Canal near Seabeck during a college-era visit.
Standing with her mother on the raft at Seabeck low tide.
Agnes looking out over a bright Lake Chelan.
Enjoying the pool on her honeymoon, Lake Chelan, WA.
With her brother Bernard and mother, in the backyard at Seabeck
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 which she later climbed, surrounded by alpine wildflowers.
Agnes and Stan on their wedding day.
Our first home on Miami Beach Road along the Hood 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 avalanche lilies with Mount Rainier beyond.
Agnes and her sister Marthe by a stunning bougainvillea in France.
With Marthe under towering old-growth at Quinault.
Enjoying a moment among the flowers on her Ballard patio.
Watering blooms on the kitchen steps in Ballard.
A quiet moment in Ballard, surrounded by flowers.
Just a “typical” dinner at Anthony’s on Sinclair Inlet, Bremerton WA
Agnes reviewing a menu, likely considering every detail, while Stan is starving!
With her sisters gathered at Anthony’s for a meal
Agnes with Marthe and mom, enjoying time together outdoors at Seabeck.
A return trip to Annecy, France
Her sister Anne Marie's home at Plan de Baix, built in 1516 by Monks
Visiting Plan-de-Baix with family and granddaughter of Anne Marie
At Bernard and Mimi’s home in St-Andéol.
A shared meal with Bernard and Mimi.
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.
At L’Ecole Cellars, an old schoolhouse winery near Walla Walla.
With Cory among the tomatoes, 2007.
Agnes at work—tractor and all!
With Cory and great cover crop, June 2022.
Guiding next generation gardeners — Agnes with her great-nieces on her lavender path
Oops, after a blender mishap — laughing through the mess.
Agnes in action, prepping garden beets with care.
Standing on the deck outside our kitchen in Poulsbo, overlooking Liberty Bay.
Evening light and quiet reflection—Agnes in her favorite time of day.
Please feel free to forward this page to anyone who may wish to see it. Thanks, Stan