Aggie Van Deelen, 88, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother and a friend to many passed from this life on Saturday, January 2, 2021 with her husband Bill at her side. Aggie had met Bill visiting his mother in St. Agnes Hospital. Bill asked her for a date, and on the second date he proposed to her. She accepted and their love story lasted for 67 years.
Aggie was born in El Paso, Texas but was a lifelong resident of Fresno where she received her elementary education before attending Holy Rosary Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Woodland, California, where she received her High School education and was valedictorian of her class. Returning to Fresno she enrolled at 4-C’s College to train as a legal secretary before embarking on a career that spanned 42 years as a brilliant legal secretary. Aggie also was a secretary for Congressman John Krebs, a man she truly admired and respected. She was born on Veteran’s Day, and truly loved her country, so working for a congressman gave her a deeper understanding of the workings of government. When given a VIP pass to the nation’s capitol, she was able to meet Senator John Glenn and observed the House of Representatives while in session. She finished her career with 22 years as Legal Secretary for the law firm of Richard Dietrich, who she also respected and admired.
Aggie cherished her Catholic faith, and throughout her lifetime she continued to serve God by giving her time to various church ministries at the 3 Fresno parishes she belonged to.
Aggie was most proud of her 60% Irish heritage. Her grandfather was a fire chief in Dublin, and her mother’s family was from County Cork, Ireland. During Bill & Aggie’s many trips outside the US, she had the chance to visit Ireland and also Bill’s heritage countries of Portugal and Holland.
In her later years, Bill and Aggie spent many months at their home in Arroyo Grande, where she loved walking on the beach and watching nature at work with her family and friends. Some of the most peaceful moments of her life were spent at the beach, watching the whales and the dolphins, and walking the seashore.
She cherished her role as Nana to her grandchildren, and then with her great grandchildren, and she always referred to them as “my beautiful family.” She was the matriarch of her famiy and person to go to for help with your problems. She was a Mom who always gave her unconditional love for her family and friends.
Aggie was preceded in death by her parents Edwin Vieno and Marie Mock Vieno, by an infant brother Donald and by her sister Patricia Vieno (Sister Agnes Jean Vieno C.S.C.)
She is survived by her husband Bill, her children, Joan Van Deelen of Clovis and her children, Emily Huebert and husband Brandon and Christopher Boldt and his wife Elisa of Sacramento, CA. Bill G. Van Deelen and his wife Stephanie of Fresno and their daughter Kaley Van Deelen and her fiancé Blake Adams and by her great grandchildren Claire Huebert and June Huebert.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Agnes Hospice for their wonderful care and expertise during her final days. She was comfortable and cared for and they were available whenever needed. Aggie’s family is very grateful for everything they provided for them. They would also like to thank the assisted living staff at Fairwinds for their 24 hour care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 10 AM. Due to Covid 19 guidelines, Masks and social distancing are requested. Mass will be celebrated in the courtyard, guests are asked to bring their own chairs and dress appropriately. Private Interment for family members will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Mass will be Live Streamed, please go to Holy Spirit web site at www.holyspirit.org on day of service for the link.
Remembrances may be made to the Art of Life Foundation ( a program dedicated to providing Hope to those impacted by cancer which is a favorite of daughter Joni and her granddaughter Kaley) 8080 N. Palm Avenue, Suite 104, Fresno, CA 93711.