Hendrika Anna (Hannie) Schott passed away on February 21, 2018 in the comfort of her Mercer Island home. Born on November 6, 1916, Hannie packed 101 years with love for her family and service for her community.

Born in Haarlem, Holland, Hannie was one of three sisters. Her oldest sister died when Hannie was 4, leaving just her and her other older sister Jacoba (Cootje). Hannie’s schooling trained her as a social worker. During World War II in Holland, in her early professional life, Hannie served as a tireless supporter for those that were trying to escape or resist the German occupation. She married Gerry Schott on June 11, 1948, and they immigrated to Ottawa, Canada in 1952 and then to Seattle in 1956. She made many friends in the Seattle and Vancouver Dutch communities and cherished them as if they were family.

Growing up, her children remember their Mom taking a bus once a week to downtown Seattle where she read to inmates at the King County Jail. After her kids graduated from high school, she found a job at a consignment shop, which used her business skills, math and sense of style. She felt the loss of that job, but found a new one at the age of 60, when she started working at the Mercer Island Thrift Store, where she co-managed the clothing department with her friend Evelyn. She retired at age 97, having worked as a near full time volunteer for 37 years.

One of Hannie’s real joys in recent years were the monthly trips to Island Books on Mercer Island. The Island Books staff helped Hannie pick out books that they thought she would like and helped carry her bounty to her trusty 1986 Toyota Tercel.

Hannie was predeceased by her parents, Cornelis Jan Mieras, (d.1966), and Geertruida Adriana Oerlemans, (d.1969) and her sisters, Cootje (d. 1980) and Marie (d. 1920). Hannie is survived by her three children, Saskia (m. Chris Diehl), Eric and Frank, and her former husband, Gerry. Oma was especially proud of her three grandchildren, Jessica, Juliana and Louis, who she inspired with her high standards, compassion for others, intellectual curiosity and unwavering love.

The family would like to thank Susan M. of Family Resources and the Providence Hospice team for providing support during her final days at home ensuring that she did not suffer.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Remembrances in her name may be made to Technology Access Foundation, Northwest Harvest or the charity of your choice. Alternatively, buy a book at Island Books and tell them “Hannie Schott sent me”.