Mrs. Tine Louise Bakker was born in Westzaan, Netherlands, on Sept. 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. The couple welcomed two sons: Leonard in 1953 and Alex in 1955.
Discontented 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.
Tine spent her life supporting her husband and raising their three children (their daughter, Monica, was born in 1958). To master 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 in 1968, they headed to Miami. 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 he 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, N.Y. They had a good life traveling and going to the opera and Broadway plays. They loved visiting their blended family. Tony passed away in 2019.
In 2020 Tine moved to 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. The family gives 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 on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m., with the Revs. 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 are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
