Johanna Petronella (Bakker) Frank

Johanna Petronella Frank (Bakker), daughter of Thomas Bakker and
Foekje Bruinenberg died on June 11, 2023 in Kittery, Maine.

Johanna was born in Zelhem, the Netherlands, youngest of eight children
on June 27, 1924. She had an idyllic childhood until Germany invaded her
town, then spent her teenage years living under Nazi occupation. Though
young, she worked with the Dutch resistance against the Nazis fearlessly
during this time. She studied and became a nurse in Utrecht, where she
worked at a hospital tending the wounded soldiers.

In 1947, she married Willem Frank. His job with the KLM Royal Dutch
Airlines gave her the opportunity to live in the Middle East and Africa
during the 1950’s. Their adventurous spirit led them to immigrate to the
United States in 1957 and became citizens in 1963.

They started off in the Midwest, it was a chaotic time for her, with three
young children in a new country, but she quickly acclimated and found
nursing jobs. She was a natural nurse, with a cheery disposition and
proclivity for learning procedures quickly.

Johanna and Wim retired in the 1980’s and moved to the east coast to be
near their children.
Throughout her life, Johanna was involved in politics. A strong Democrat,
she felt it was a privilege and a duty to vote. She was an advocate of
womens rights and anti-war movements. She loved this country and gave
back by volunteering at schools, retirement homes and at Hospice.

She was always a caring neighbor and friend. She knew how to throw a good
party, loved to knit and make fabric folk art.
Johanna will be remembered by her family and friends for her passionate
outlook on life, her great sense of humor, her devotion to her children
and her love of all wildlife. There was a special place in her heart for all
dogs.
She was a kind and loving mother and adored by her children.
Her husband, Wim, died in 2004.

Her final years were spent at Durgin Pines, in Kittery, Maine. Here the
staff became like family to her and she felt safe and loved. Our heartfelt
thanks to all the people at Durgin Pines who cared for her.

She is survived by her daughters, Marjan Frank (George Glidden), Hanna
Frank, her son, Gerrit-Jan Frank, her grandson, Eric Gold (Johanne
Durocher) and her great grandchildren, Vanessa Gold and Hugo Gold, and
longtime friends turned family, Star and Ray Olderman.
And of course, her special grand dog, Lucy Brown.

In Lieu of flowers please give a donation to the SPCA or The Center for
Wildlife.

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