Petronella "Petra" Pijnenburg-Hoeven

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Petronella (Petra) Pijnenburg-Hoeven, beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Petra passed away peacefully on 24 July 2025 at the age of 87 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Born on 16 January 1938 in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, Petra was a devoted wife to Jozef (Jos) Hoeven, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and faith. Petra was a loving mother to Eugène (Natalie), Joyce (Mathew), and Jørgen (Valerie) as well as a cherished grandmother to Camille (Philipp), Émilie, Frédérick, Cameron (Kaileigh), Mia, Téa, Ella, Griffon and Théo.

Known for her devotion to family and community, and for her fortitude, generosity and charity, Petra touched the lives of all who knew her. Together with Jos, she fully embraced the adventure of life – setting up homes in the Netherlands, Cairo, Egypt; Montreal, Quebec; Baltimore, Maryland; and Mexico City, Mexico before returning to Canada, first in Guelph, Ontario and then Bedford, Nova Scotia. A teacher by profession, she was talented in various handicrafts and actively participated in all the communities she lived in. She was a member of the Stitchery Guild of Bedford, EnChor East Choir, HRM Newcomer’s Alumnae Bridge, the Catholic Women’s League and volunteered with Chalice, Beacon House, Meals on Wheels and the Women for Music Society.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 6th at 12:15 pm at the Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, 5 Bedford Street, Bedford Nova Scotia. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5 to 7 pm, at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who have comforted and cared for Petra throughout the last years, especially the exceptional team at Laurel’s Lake Residence and Parves Anwar. Family flowers only, memorial donations may be made to Chalice in her honour at https://chalice.ca/donate

Petra will be forever remembered with love, gratitude, and deep affection.