Alida Johanna (Bakker) Mak

Alida Johanna (Bakker) Mak was born in Voorhout, Holland on April 2, 1932. Her parents, Cornelius and Cornelia (Van Stijn) Bakker later welcomed her first four siblings into the family: Neal, Maap, Dick, and Corrie. Following her mother's death and her father's new marriage, three more sisters were born into the family: Anja, Elly, and Paula. Raised in Holland during two major events of the 20th century – the Depression and World War II – Alida learned to live with resilience, frugality, generosity, and kindness... all traits that have shaped and guided her 92 years of life. During their childhood, she cared for and helped raise her brothers and sisters. Her care for and dedication to them never diminished throughout her life. As a young woman, she worked as a psychiatric nurse and her love of learning followed her throughout the years.

In 1960, Alida and Johann Mak were married. In the years to follow, the couple welcomed their four children: Kitty, Hans, Danni, and Paula into their family. In 1970, they immigrated to the United States and moved to Shelton, WA.

Early in their life in America, their marriage dissolved, leaving Alida to raise the children on her own, far from her family in Holland. To provide for her children, Alida went to work at Palitos Mexican Restaurant in Shelton. She later worked for the Simpson Lumber Company in Shelton for 19 years and was one of the first women to work in the Plywood Mill there. She faced the challenges of that work with resilience and determination, as she did every other challenge she ever faced.

Living in her home on Angleside for over 50 years, her love of flowers and gardening was evident. Alida's back patio was one of her favorite places to be – surrounded by nature, and always ready to welcome neighbors, friends, and family with a hot cup of coffee and a wonderful conversation. Alida never learned to drive, so she walked everywhere for years and eventually began to use the bus to do her own shopping well into her 80's. She enjoyed a little sparkle in her outfits and was often seen with a big, beautiful flower pinned to her lapel.

Dedicated to her family and friends, Oma (Dutch for Grandmother and how many close to Alida knew her) generously gave of her strength, wisdom, and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Following a brief illness, Alida passed away at St. Peter's Medical Center in Olympia on August 11, 2024. Her passing leaves her brother Neal; her sisters Elly and Paula; her children –Kitty (Ira) Brehmeyer; Hans Mak, Danni (Jim) Colo, and Paula (Paul) Dawson; her nine grandchildren – Katrina, Aaron, Jacque, Cassandra, Sean, Nathaniel, Seth, Drew, and Chloe; and her fourteen great-grandchildren.

Alida lived an amazing, full, and joyous life. A celebration of her life is being planned by her family for the near future.