Octavie Victorine Storms

Octavie Victorine Storms, age 96, of Tewksbury Twp., NJ passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the home in which lived in and adored for 61 years.

She was born on November 3, 1925 in Tervuren, Belgium.  She lived in Belgium where she met her beloved husband.  They moved their family to Africa for a short time to pursue her husband’s business venture, and later moved back to Belgium and settled to the United States in 1961.

She was the daughter of the late Julien and Adolphine (Penninckx) Vanfraechem.

Her husband, Robert Storms, passed away in June of 2012 after 59 years of marriage.

Octavie was a true witness to World War II.  While living in Belgium as a young girl, her family was forced to give up their land and home.  Even while living in a barn, her courage was steadfast.  She missed years of school, but that never stopped her from persevering throughout her career.  She was a very skilled line worker.  She could put anything together and she could stitch and sew anything.  When she arrived to the United States, even though she did not have a drivers license, she was determined to work and was employed at The Pink Sleigh in Oldwick where she did wrapping and packing.  Over the years, she was an extremely hard worker, working for Fimble Door and later Laberne. 

While Octavie endured many hardships in her immigration to the United States, she was a wonderful homemaker.  She cherished her home and her family.  She found joy in keeping her home clean and tidy, taking care of her children, and always having a homemade meal on the table for her family.  She gave unlimited love to her children.  While she is described as a fierce and tough woman, she was an extremely compassionate and caring mom.

Octavie was a woman of great faith.  Not only did she have great faith, but she truly lived her faith.  She was extremely humble and selfless and always put everyone else first.  This could be seen in the way she cared for her children, but also by making meals for neighbors and friends and even hand sewing pieces of fabric for her mechanic to use as rags, never wanting recognition for anything that she did.   The love that she exuded was one of a kind. Her life made a difference in the lives of so many who knew her. She truly made the world a better place. 

She was passionate about cooking.  One of her favorite sayings was to ‘Get on the stove’.  She always had her apron on and the house always radiated the smell of an onion, carrot or celery, depending on what kind of soup or recipe she was making. 

Octavie loved reading, especially reading the New York Times.  She was always at the forefront of any project and she loved knowledge.  She also loved traveling after her retirement. 

Survivors include Five children; Herman Storms (Elizabeth) of Annandale, NJ, Godlieve Toon (Alan) of West Pinehurst, NC, Marcel Storms of White Fish, MT, Erik Storms (Jacqueline) Albuquerque, NM and Elizabeth Storms of Tewksbury Twp., NJ.  Two grandchildren; Isabella Storms and Gordon Toon (Megan).  One great-granddaughter; Sloane Toon and one more great-grandchild on the way.  She is also survived by one brother; Robert Vanfraechem of Belgium. 

Predeceased in addition to her loving husband by nine siblings. 

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 10am to 12pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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