Klazina Dobbe, of Holland America Flowers LLC, passed away peacefully on February 5. Wife of Benno Dobbe and mother of former SAF board member Ben Dobbe, Klazina was an inspirational force behind Holland America Flowers from its beginnings in 1980, when Benno and Klazina made the “gutsy decision” to immigrate to the United States with their three young children.

“We had very little money, but big dreams and a vision,” Benno said. “Klazina helped out in the fields and did all the administration. She was such a great support for me through all of the years.” Even after Klazina established her own career as a healer in 1992, Benno said she continued to support the business until the day she passed. “She loved flowers because she knew our farms would put a smile on people’s faces, every day of the year, all over the United States.” Read the full tribute to Klazina Dobbe here.

Jennifer McNally is the interim editor of SAF NOW.