Aukje “Anita” Doller, 89, of Norwich, N.Y. (formerly Pine Island, N.Y.), peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. She was 89 years old.
She was born in Fochtelo, Netherlands, on May 27, 1932, to Johan and Roelofie Oosterkamp.
She was the eldest of ten children, who, along with their parents, survived World War II and the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Anita completed her formal education and graduated from the Landbouwhuishoudschool. This was a great accomplishment due to Anita’s obligations as the oldest child.
On Nov. 16, 1956, Anita married Marcus “Mark” Doller and they emigrated to the United States in February 1957. They settled in Branchville, N.J., before owning their own dairy farm in Pine Island, N.Y., until 1986. During that time Anita supported Mark on the farm while raising six children.
Anita was a Dutchmaid clothing consultant for ten years. Upon Mark retiring from dairy farming, Anita built a small herd of sheep and goats that she loved to watch and care for.
Anita was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes, beadwork, wedding gowns, alterations, reupholstering furniture and much more. Anita was instrumental in starting a sewing club at her church. She was also very talented at knitting, making countless sweaters, afghans and baby sweaters, many from her own sheep wool.
Anita was a professing member of the Goshen Christian Reformed Church. The church was an integral part of Mark and Anita’s life after a devastating house fire in 1974. Mark and Anita were facility caretakers of the church for many years and strong supporters of the Christian School.
Anita and Mark loved to travel and entertain their family and friends. The highlight of their traveling was to Australia to visit Mark’s brothers.
Anita was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Mark, and her oldest daughter, Roelofje Ruby Romanko, as well as five brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by two sisters: Greitje (Elle) Brummell and Pietje (Alle) Bruggink of the Netherlands. Her children: son-in-law Mark (Patty) Romanko, Henry (Kathi) Doller, Dinah (Bob) Sinnema, John (Linda) Doller, Marcus (Florence) Doller and Audrey (Robert) Sagala; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Anita was known as “Mem,” “Beppe,” “Super Beppe” and “Tante” Aukje - we are thankful for her long life and for her being the anchor and cornerstone of our family. She lived a life of service to the Lord, family, church and friends.
The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m., with a service at 11 a.m. at the Goshen Christian Reformed Church, 2440 Route 17A, Goshen.
Interment will follow the service in Florida Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Goshen Christian Reformed Church, 2440 Rt. 17A, Goshen, NY 10924.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, Warwick. To send an online condolence, visit www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.