Grietje Flokstra

Grietje ‘Rita’ Flokstra nee Prins

Rita Flokstra

August 21, 1941 – September 10, 2014

A few month ago Rita was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the Lord directed a path for her life and in his infinite wisdom called her home Wednesday afternoon to relieve her of all pain and suffering. She recently celebrated her 73rd birthday with much joy and love with her family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband John Flokstra and her children: Elaine (Marcel) Jacobi, Harold (Shannon) Flokstra, Andrew (Teresa) Flokstra, Sharon (Raymond) Vandeburgt, Quentin (Jessica) Flokstra, Carla (Dave) VanLaar and 19 grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her siblings (An) Prins, Fake (Henny) Prins, Harry (Klazien) Prins, Roel (Bertha) Prins and by her siblings in-law Cor (Emma) Flokstra, Tina (Ken) Linde, Bernie Flokstra, (Henny) Flokstra, Margaret VanEgmond, Cynthia (Casey) Admiraal and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Klaas, and brothers-in-law Bill VanEgmond and Frank Flokstra.

Rita was born in the Hoogeveen, the Netherlands on August 21, 1941 during the war. Growing up with 2 older brothers and 2 younger brothers brought much fun and joy into their household. There were also times of struggle because of the effects of war, the stores were often empty. At 12 years old she was sent off to a house for 6 weeks to eat, relax and put on a few pounds. She attended school and learned the basics of cooking and sewing. She then took on her first job by helping her dad collect money for the city from the rental houses. She also helped her mom around the house. Later her Opa came to live with them after breaking his hip. The nurse who took care of her Opa recommended Rita to attend nursing school. After her Opa passed away she packed her bags and moved to Arnhem, but unable to obtain the courses she moved to Zuidhorn in Het Zonnehuis, where she received her first nursing diploma. She then moved on to Zeist and began her nursing career in the Wyngaard (a home supported by the reformed church). Then on November 1, 1972 she married John Flokstra and made a big move to Canada where a loving and caring family and church family helped her adjust to the different country, language and lifestyle. With all her support she had an easier time adjusting. Rita took on the role of motherhood of 6 healthy children, and later the role of a very loving grandmother. The last couple of years her focus was on taking care of John who suffered a stroke. In all of life, Rita enjoyed her children, family and friends and stood in awe of God’s beautiful creation in Canada and Europe.

“Praise the Lord, o my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Psalm 103:1