Agnes Dewees Stoertz

Agnes Dewees Stoertz died peacefully at home with family by her side September 1, 2024 at the age of 99. She is survived by daughters Catherine Stoertz (Colin Hill) of Swalciffe, England and Nancy Stoertz Scheider of Manassas, VA, daughter in-law Ona Ringerud Stoertz of Carrington, ND, grandchildren Jonathan Scheider, Christopher Scheider (Kelly), Diana Haines (Chris), Jessica Stoertz-Larsen (Kristofer) and Daniel Stoertz (Erin), and 5 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents William T. and Caroline Cope Dewees, sisters Elisabeth Synnestvedt and Margaret MacLaren, loving husband of 51 years, Howard Stoertz, Jr, and son David W. Stoertz.

Born May 3, 1925, the middle of 3 sisters, the family moved around a great deal during the 1920s and 30s eventually settling in Bucks County, PA where her father became a carpenter. She attended the Quaker boarding high school George School in PA, then Guilford College in NC and became an occupational therapist at the children’s Seashore House in Atlantic City, NJ. It was during this time that she met Howard Stoertz, Jr. They were married May 20, 1950, and moved to Arlington, VA where Howie began his career with the CIA.

Shortly before the birth of their first child, Cathy, they moved to the new neighborhood of Pine Spring in Falls Church, VA where they lived until 1980. They went on to have two more children, Nancy and David, who had the benefit of growing up in the wonderful Pine Spring neighborhood. Agnes continued using her practical and creative skills in many ways including gardening, weaving, and especially pottery, teaching many children informally and women who attended her weekly classes. She was adept at many other crafts including carpentry, upholstery and needlework. Agnes was always generous with her time and most of her friends and family were beneficiaries of her various talents.

She discovered a liking for international travel after the family spent a year living in London, England in 1965. She frequently accompanied Howie when he worked on the SALT talks in Austria, Finland and Switzerland. Together they enjoyed city sightseeing and hiking trips to the Alps which they continued after Howie’s retirement in 1980.

Together they purchased 2 acres of land in western Fairfax County in 1969. They continued to develop and landscape the property until they had a custom home built and moved in 1980. It was there that Agnes grew a wonderful garden that

included strawberries, blueberries, corn, snap peas, asparagus and more. She was happy to share the bounty with friends and family as often as possible. She and Howie enjoyed hosting gatherings that included their children and grandchildren making special memories for the youngsters.

After Howie’s death 22 years ago, she continued to live in the home they built together enjoying watching the birds and other wildlife around her. She was able to stay there assisted by grandson, Jonathan, who made it possible for her to live as independently as she could. It was her greatest wish to stay in the home always, and with the help of family, her wish was fulfilled.

In recent years she expressed amazement at having lived so long and seen so much. We are grateful to have had her in our lives and will miss her very much.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am Saturday October 19, 2024 at the Herndon Friends Meeting 660 Spring St. Herndon, VA 20170. There is parking directly behind the building with overflow parking in the funeral home lot across the street. Please do not park in the bank parking lot.

The service will be conducted in the manner of a Friends Meeting. The Meeting begins in silence, the family will speak, then those who feel so moved are welcome to speak, sharing their brief thoughts and memories. When all have spoken who wish to, the service will conclude.

All are welcome to join us for a reception at her home 12520 Ox Hunt Rd., Herndon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to an organization of your choice that supports research on either Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s.