Laetitia Clary Ingrid Jonker, 77, died of metastatic breast cancer on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Clary left us exactly as she wanted, peacefully and comfortably at home with her children at her side.
Clary was born in Hardenberg, the Netherlands, in 1945 and married in 1967. Her husband’s studies and work had the family moving frequently, living throughout Europe and the U.S. She was conversant in many languages and was a voracious reader. Educated as a teacher and known for her deep knowledge of European history and art, Clary enjoyed her work at the Sunshine preschool, the Killington Mountain School, NT Ferro Jewelers and the Galleries in Woodstock.
Of all the places she lived, she loved Vermont the most, especially in winter. Her cozy chalet in Killington was her pride and joy, and where she held court for 38 years after her divorce. Clary’s house was a place of lightness, laughter and music. She was partial to classical, yacht rock and disco and will forever be the Dancing Queen. Clary thoroughly enjoyed her dear friends and her membership in the Killington Rotary. While she came alive spending time with people, she enjoyed her solitude and loved spending time reading.
She looked forward, each spring, to her visit to the Netherlands. Her heart was always in Holland with her mother, family and friends. When she returned from her trips she shared with all of us the exceptionalism of the Dutch. Sometimes people got sick of it. This was of little concern to her.
Clary leaves behind her daughter Caroline and husband Charlie, her son Kaj and and his wife Lisa and four beautiful grandchildren; Jules and Will Sprigg and Anja and Maaika Samsom. Clary followed the adventures of her grandchildren with great enthusiasm and loved watching them develop into interesting,curious and talented young adults.
A remembrance gathering will take place in Killington this spring.
