Obituary of Grace Andree

Grace Andree, 94, passed away the morning of June 1, 2022, at her home in Centralia, Washington. 

 

She is survived by her sons, Chris (Maureen) Andree and Willem (wife, Ginslisa) Andree; daughters, Audrey Birdwell and Margaret Blankenship; seven grandchildren, Angie, Mary (John), Sammy Jo, Luke, Keith, Tena and Samantha; six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Adam, Mandy, Charlie, Treye, Mason; sister, Jannie DeVries of Heerenveen, Friesland, The Netherlands.  She was predeceased by her parents, Willem and Atje Klijnsma; brother, Gosse Klijnsma; and former husband, Pete Andree.

 

Grace finished 8^th grade and went on to take trade classes.  (During World War II, the educational system was disrupted.)  She went to work in the family store in Heerenveen.  She enjoyed sailing, ice skating, and biking in the homeland. 

 

She married Pete Andree in 1953 in The Netherlands and immigrated in 1957 to California to work on a farm.  In 1962, they moved to Puget Island for their own farm, 110 acres with approximately 80 head of cattle.

 

She ensured her kids were good swimmers, as well as participated in 4-H, had farm chores, and participated in church.  She was a member of the Dairy Wives.  She was a good baker/cook, which taught her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed practical sewing.  She played the organ and the violin.  She loved plants, especially tulips.  Her favorite TV shows were The Golden Girls, QVC, Bush People, I Love Lucy, and The Price Is Right.

 

Grace’s hospitality was evident in her own store, Andree’s Koffhuis, for 18 years in the Centralia Outlets, as well as at home.  Her favorite coffee was strong, such as Dutch coffee Douwe Egberts.  Her own recipe of lemon buttercake is made to this day by her family.  Cookies she enjoyed were Speculaas and her friend Audrey Rademaker’s sugar cookies.  She served coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon.

 

She was very involved in the Christian Women’s Club and was a member of the local Mycological Society.  She enjoyed games, such as Yahtzee and Rummicube.  She liked Christian romance novels.  One of her most favorite activities was shopping, in which she usually included her daughters and grandchildren.  She was very thrifty.  She was recently featured twice in The Chronicle by Julie Zander.

 

A celebration of life will be held on August 6, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. View Baptist Church in Centralia.

 

The family thanks the caregivers who attended Grace so well. 

 

Donations may be made in Grace’s name to Providence Home Health Care, or Catholic Community Service.

 

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