Tine Louise Klingen

Tine Louise Bakker Klingen

Tine Louise Bakker was born in Westzaan, Netherlands September 24, 1927. Her father owned a fabrication plant for cardboard boxes which remained operational throughout World War II. She remembered running errands for him on her bicycle delivering sugar or flour to the community. After the war, she completed secretary school and went to work where she met Leonard G. Klingen. They married in 1953. In Baarn, Netherlands, Leonard 1953 and Alex 1955 were born. Discontent with life and jobs in the Netherlands they obtained passage on an immigration ship headed for Australia. After living in an old leaking shack for a year they built their new home in Oyster Bay, Australia. She spent her life supporting her husband and raising their three children, daughter Monica was born in 1958. To perfect the English language, she volunteered at the schools. She maintained her thick Dutch accent and was teased by her family when the word milk always sounded like melk. After Leo finished his education in1968 they headed to Miami Florida in America. Tine maintained a positive attitude throughout all these changes by instilling the joy of adventure. She continued to volunteer everywhere until she earned her H&R Block tax certificate. She worked for 20 years. In 1986 Leo became ill and passed away in 1988.

Tine’s resilience in life set her to adventure again. She traveled to many places and on a trip met widower Anthony (Tony) Schiavo. The two dated for some time and Tine joined Tony in 1992 in Douglaston NY. They had a good life traveling, going to the opera, and Broadway plays. They loved visiting their blended family. Tony passed away in 2019. In 2020 Tine moved to the Eastern Shore Commonwealth Senior Living. Tine was a determined and resilient woman. She made it a point to always be busy knitting, reading, playing games, and enjoying the visits with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her hallmarks were her smile, her ability to adapt wherever she was, and her never give up attitude.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joop, two husbands Leo and Tony, her son Leonard, and her grandson Jerad. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, bonus family and friends. Many thanks to the staff and friends at Commonwealth Senior Living for helping her enjoy her final years.

A service in celebration of Tine’s life will be held at Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church, in Onancock, VA, on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., with The Reverends Steve and Donna Doan officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions in her memory may be made to Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1299, Exmore, VA 23350 (www.easternshorehabitat.org/); Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 397, Onancock, VA 23417; or Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore Holiday Fund, payable to: CSL ES Holiday Fund, 23610 North Street, Onancock, VA 23417.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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