Margrieta Mayke (Posch) Stam

Margrieta "Ita" Stam, 88, passed away January 22, 2016 in her home in Nampa, Idaho surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer.  A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 7 – 9 PM at the Nampa Funeral Home - Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. S., Nampa.  A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the First United Presbyterian Church, 400 Lake Lowell Ave., Nampa, ID. Burial will follow at the Hilltop Memorial Cemetery in Nyssa, OR. A Reception will follow the interment at "The Neighborhood" on Main St. in Nyssa, OR for family and friends. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com.

Ita was born Oct. 2, 1927 to Jacob and Johanna Posch in Stompetoren, Netherlands.  The eldest of two girls, she was blessed with a sister, Mayke Posch Blauw who still lives in the Netherlands with her husband, Jan Blauw. Ita, through the years and the distance, stayed very close to Mayke and Jan, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ita came to America in 1952 as part of the IFYE Exchange Program and stayed with three families across the country.  The Rogers' of Washington, The Tabbs' of West Virginia, and the Clark's of Utah.  Over the years she stayed in contact with the three families and they visited back and forth many times.  In Holland,  Ita worked in a home for troubled children and orphans.  Ita's generous, loving heart was well suited to this work.  During her stay in America, she reconnected with Herke and on February 2, 1956 Ita and Herke were married in Stompetoren, Netherlands, by her Father, Jacob Posch. Herke, having already immigrated and started a small farm in Nyssa, OR, returned to the U.S.  Ita, waiting for her papers, finally joined him in Nyssa in September.  They began their life together on that farm in Nyssa.  In 1962 Herke's nephew, Dirk deBoer came to the U.S. and lived with them for a year, then immigrated in 1965.  Dirk was a support to Ita throughout her life.  In 1965, their daughter, Jolien was born and Paul followed in 1967.  In Nyssa, they befriended and found the support of many Dutch immigrants, including Herke's sister and brother-in-law, Cees and Marie Hopman and their children. In 1970, the Stam family moved to Nampa, farming in the Dry Lake area.  In 1975, they moved to Dry Lake, where Ita worked hard to raise the children and support Herke on the farm.  Herke and Ita also loved to travel.  They enjoyed many vacations in their motorhome, often taking visitors to see various sights around the country.  Herke passed away in 1988, but Ita stayed in the family home until her passing, living life to the fullest with family and friends.

Ita was devoted to her family, friends and Church, sharing her time and caring with all.  She was a member of and attended the First United Presbyterian Church until she was no longer able.  Ita loved music and the arts; theater, books, chamber music, and crocheting.  She belonged to the Bennet Club,  Nampa Musicale, and was a proud member of the P.E.O. for many years.  Ita was also an enthusiastic photographer and enjoyed handwritten correspondece with many people.  Her camera and her pen were never far from reach.  Animals were another great love of Ita's life. She donated generously to the Humane Society and at home, there was always a 4-legged companion by her side, a great comfort and joy to her.  Ita could always be counted on to have a kind word and her ability to love unconditionally was a true gift.  Her ready smile and genuine kindness will be greatly missed.  Ita wished all to know that she had a good life and felt very fortunate.

Ita is preceded in death by her husband, Herke and her parents.  She is survived by their children, Jolien and Paul Stam of Nampa, ID.

Grandchildren: Cory Papineau, Mika Orr, Austin and Chance Stam of Nampa, ID, Christopher Stam, Portland, OR, Ashley Morris, Greenville, TN and one great-granddaughter, Autumn Papineau of Boise, ID. Her sister and brother in law, Mayke and Jan Blauw, Stompetorn, Netherlands, Sister in law, Marie Hopman, Ontario, OR, Brother in law, Jan Bruijn, Schermer, Netherlands and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Graciela Colunga-Moya for the devoted care and companionship she provided to Ita for the past eight years.  Her loving heart and generous spirit made it possible for Ita to stay in her home until her passing.  Graciela, you are truly an angel walking among us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp River Run, 10455 Ancona Ave., Suite 140, Eagle, ID 83616 or to The Humane Society of the United States.

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