Gardena Jacoba “Cobie” Tesch, 84, a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 31, 2011, after an extended fight with diabetes.
Cobie was born in Oak Harbor on July 11, 1927, to Herman and Marie Mensinga. The only child of Herman and Marie, Cobie brought great joy to her parents from the beginning, a trend that would continue into her adult life. Cobie worked at the co-op in Oak Harbor as a young woman. She worked there to help the family and to wait for her future husband, George, to return from his service in the Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1953 they began a wonderful marriage that would last 55 years.
The newlyweds settled on the land Cobie’s dad had owned, and began planning a family. In late 1955, Cobie and George were blessed with twin boys, Dwight and Barry. Cobie loved being a wife and mother, also playing the role of loving aunt to her numerous nieces and nephews. Cobie spent her days loving her family, baking, cleaning, digging ditches, folding laundry or whatever else needed to be done. She was a tireless worker and always believed in doing any job, no matter how small or large, the right way and with a smile on her face. Cobie was always a thoughtful person as well, never missing a birthday or anniversary card or a chance to give a smile or a kind word to anyone; it is one of the many wonderful traits for which she will be missed.
Cobie became a grandmother in 1979 and quickly showed her grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and later her grandkids’ spouses and great-grandchildren, the same love and attention that she had shown her loved ones before. Cobie loved being a grandmother, and many fond memories were made by her and her beloved grandkids. George and Cobie loved to dote on their grandkids, having them sleep over, sending postcards from all the places they traveled in their RV, always having a stocked candy dish and ice cream in the freezer, and camping with the family at Lake Conner Park. There, Cobie would take walks with the kids, play horseshoes and sit around the fire, laughing and telling stories.
Cobie was a loving, kind-hearted woman, and while lovingly stubborn, never put herself above anyone. Her family and friends will miss her quick wit, her encouragement, her laugh and the way her eyes would light up whenever one of her beloved would enter the room. She will be greatly missed.
During the past several years of her life she lived at an adult family home in Oak Harbor named Ohana Villa with the wonderful owner Pat Bayliss and her caring staff. “Ohana” means family in Hawaiian and she was made to feel a part of a close knit, loving family. We cannot express enough the excellent care, support and love she experienced there. She was very happy with her new home after losing her beloved husband.
Cobie is survived by her sons, Dwight Tesch and his wife June of Burlington, and Barry Tesch and his wife Debbie, of Oak Harbor; three grandchildren, Brad Tesch and his wife Nikki and Marc Tesch and his wife Anna, both of Oak Harbor, and Jennifer (Tesch) McGill and husband Brian of Snohomish; six great-grandchildren, Grace Elaine, Delaney Anne, Ezra Marc, Audrey Claire, Lily Anne, and Madison West; and many nieces and nephews that she loved. Cobie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years George Tesch in 2008.
In keeping with Cobie’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 728 134th St., Suite 101, Everett WA 98204 or to the American Diabetes Assoc., Metropolitan Park East, 1730 Minor Ave, #920, Seattle, WA 98101. Friends and families are encouraged to sign the online guest register by going to www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements have been made with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc; 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.
