Apolonia (“Lou”) Sterken passed away quietly on January 13th, 2014 in her home in Meredith, with the caring support of hospice. Lou had been battling an ongoing heart issue and she was surrounded by her loved ones at her passing.
Lou (Bordui) was born in Heinkenzand, Zeeland, the Netherlands, on February 14, 1929 where she lived with her parents Alfons and Tannetje (deVos) Bordui, her brother, Eduard, and her sisters, Zus and Riet, until she married Christian Sterken in 1952. They had two daughters, Maria (Marion) and Antonia (Toni). The family moved to Canada in 1958 and subsequently to the USA in 1961. The family moved from Wisconsin, to North Carolina and finally to New Jersey, settling in Pompton Plains where she resided from 1968 until November 11, 2012. After her husband died she moved to Meredith to be closer to family.
Lou was a skilled seamstress and worked in two different Nursing Homes in New Jersey for over 25 years. She had been an active member of Holy Spirit Church, in NJ and participated in services at the First Congregational Church of Meredith after she moved to Meredith.
Lou is predeceased by her beloved husband Christian, her parents, brother, and sisters.
She leaves behind her daughters, Marion Gainham and her husband Mark, Toni Brown and her husband Kent; her grandchildren, Stephen Van Eerdewijk, Mindy Van Eerdewijk, Philip Gainham, Cathy Gainham, Sam Brown and Chris Brown; her great grandchildren, Patrick Van Eerdewijk, Astra Goodale, and Skylar Goodale, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Lou was a very generous person and supported local food pantries and the hospice program of Northern New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to these wonderful causes.