Antonetta "Nettie" Stekelenburg Kos

Antonetta, or "Nettie" was born in Amsterdam, December 10th, 1932 to Antonetta Maria and Jacobus Stekelenburg. She lived in Holland until 1955/1956 where she met her husband, Lewis. She came to America to start a family and dairy business with her husband and his family in California. Nettie is survived by a younger sister, Jacoba, or "Cobie", who is still living in Amsterdam.

As a child, Mom spoke often of riding her bike with family and friends to Zandvoort, the long, sandy beach in Holland. There she spent summers camping with family and cousins on the beach in canvas tents. She mentioned often the salted herring served in newspaper, and the long, but memorable bike rides near the sea. There is no doubt that Mom loved the ocean. Later in life, she got to spend time on the beach with her grandchildren.

Mom learned at a young age to sew and she developed into an excellent seamstress. She would sew clothes on a Singer sewing machine and perform alterations with impeccable detail. Later in life, she embroidered, crocheted, and knitted. She made teddy bears, slippers, sweaters, and knitted caps and gave them all away to her grandchildren and children associated with the orphan ministry. There was nothing that would be considered too difficult for Mom to create, and her handiwork was beautiful.

Antonetta met her husband, Lewis Kos, while working in a store that sold China and crystal. His family was living in Laton, CA, and that is where they moved and started their family. Nettie had three children: two twin sons, Jacobus Peter and Lewis M., and one daughter, Antonetta. For many years, Mom held the record for largest twins in Kings County, weighing more than 16 pounds together.

Mom was forever living and working hard for her children, sometimes working more than one job to provide for her family after her husband passed away. There was always a hot meal, a nice, clean home, and full-stocked pantry to keep us happy and healthy. Her incredible work-ethic and dedication to her children and their well-being never faltered, even after we grew up and left our home in Armona to begin our own lives.

Mom gave the same love and attention to her six grandchildren who she was very proud of. She is survived by six grandchildren who she cared for dearly: Mieka Kos, Helene Kos, Lewis Kos, Fletcher Haggard, Jacobus Kos, and Elisabeth Haggard. Once Mom retired, she always managed to go spend time with the grandkids: playing checkers, cooking French toast, sitting with them on her lap, or showing them how to do something. She loved them all and gave equally to each grandchild.

Nettie was well-known for her years of work at Maccagno's Bakery. She made dream cakes, rum cakes, éclairs, cream puffs, as well as iced wedding cakes. When she was not busy in the back, she greeted early morning customers who came in regularly for bread or doughnuts. There were countless times when we someone would hear Mom's voice and recollect her years of service in the bakery business.

Nettie was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church for over 50 years. As children, Mom would ensure that we were well-dressed and cleaned up for Sunday worship. We parked in the same spot every Sunday and she would pack Dutch peppermints for us during the service. Mom remained loyal to the church and many of the Dutch members for many decades. After moving from Armona, Mom lived at the Maranatha for about six years. These were some of her best times of fellowship with people from the church and Holland. The ladies had so much to talk about and Mom cherished her time in her apartment so close to the church.

Antonetta Maria Kos passed away on November 22, 2014 after spending a year in Hacienda Convalescent Home. Although Mom battled numerous health issues later in life, she never complained. It was not in her nature. She died peacefully, painlessly, and on this day, Heaven gained an Angel.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com