Born in 1921 in Tartu, Estonia, she began her career in the 1940s as a writer of short stories for local newspapers. With her husband and in-laws, she left Estonia in September of 1944, as did many to escape the incoming Soviet communist regime. As a refugee in Munich, she worked as a bookkeeper for the American military and created artworks by designing needlepoint wall hangings and intricate knitted apparel. After moving to Chicago in 1951, she attended the Art Institute studying interior design, drawing, and sculpture in copper enamel. One of her works is a large copper cross, which now hangs in the Rochester Divinity School.

In her professional career, she was the financial head of several nursing homes in New York City and after retirement, she continued as a consultant for the State of New York. Agnes also worked as a pro bono consultant for the International Retired Executive Corp, establishing nursing home managerial structures. She was very active in the New York Estonian community serving two terms as the President of the Estonian Cultural Society; the only woman in its history to hold this position. She was also on the Board of the New York Estonian Lutheran Church.

Agnes is survived by her daughter, Epp Sonin of Lexington, grandsons Aldo of San Francisco and Juhan of Arlington, with his wife Kathryn and two great grandsons, Udo Magnus and Viggo Sebastian. A memorial service will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New York Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street, New York, New York 10016.