Imagine standing on the docks, watching as the last ship of the year prepared to set sail for America. Josie Vermeulen, 25, clutched her toddler as she and her husband faced the devastating reality that they’d have to wait three years before they could immigrate. Josie was also pregnant, adding urgency to their situation.
Then, by chance, the captain's wife overheard their predicament. Moved by their plight, she made a bold decision – to give up her own cabin so Josie, her husband, and their child could make the voyage across the Atlantic.
"It was so hard, but we made it," Josie recalled, her eyes shining with gratitude for the kindness of the stranger who changed their lives. Without the captain's wife, the Vermeulens' dream of a new life in America may have been delayed. "She was so kind," Josie said. "She even helped care for me when I was so sick during the journey."
Now, nearly 75 years later, living at Aegis Mercer Island, Josie’s remarkable story continues to inspire. At 98 years old, turning 99 next month, her zest for life and commitment to helping others is awe-inspiring.
"Josie embodies what we strive for – a life filled with purpose and service to others," shared Chris Corrigall, Senior VP of Wellbeing at Aegis.
Chris leads Wellbeing, an effort to cultivate the unique purpose of each Aegis resident. Josie’s days are filled with activity, from daily knitting sessions to enjoying social events like opera nights. "I love the opera, even if I've seen it three or five times before," she laughed.
Josie learned to knit and crochet as a young girl in Holland. When she first arrived at Aegis, she was hesitant about living in a smaller space. "But now, this is my little workshop, and I'm never bored!" she said.
After their harrowing journey, Josie’s husband worked as an engineer, despite challenges due to his non-citizen status. Undeterred, the couple eventually started their successful business, United Power and Control. "My husband always told me, 'Josie, never give up.'"
After 45 years in Seattle, they retired to Arizona, where Josie kept busy tending her yard. Three years ago, she moved to Aegis, where she continues to thrive.
Most inspiring is Josie’s commitment to helping others. "I don't need the money," she said. "I just want to help people." With Aegis’s support, she’s crafted nearly 100 hats to donate to the Union Gospel Mission, a gesture of giving back in honor of the kindness she received years ago.
"As Josie's 99th birthday approaches, we are honored to celebrate this remarkable woman," shared Kaitlyn from the Wellbeing team. "Her resilience, generosity, and zest for life inspire us all."
In a month focused on giving back, Josie Vermeulen reminds us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can change lives. Her story shows that giving back comes full circle, enriching not just the recipient, but the giver too.
"I just want to help people." "Back then in Holland, little girls were given the choice to learn to crochet or cook. That's when I started to crochet." Josie Vermeulen