Roelofje "Roely" (ten Hoeve) Riedstra

On the morning of August 5, 2026, Roelofje (Roely) Riedstra (née ten Hoeve), our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, died peacefully at the age of 91. Born July 18, 1935 in Ouwster-Nijega, Friesland, the Netherlands, Roely immigrated in 1951 with her family to Victoria, BC, Canada. Shortly after, her fiancé Richard followed her and they married in 1955. Together they raised two sons. Once they raised the boys, she began working in the insurance industry until her retirement at 65.

Together they traveled to various parts of the world, enjoyed a vacation home in Arizona, and toured around BC in their camper van. Roely enjoyed books and could often be found reading or writing letters to her family in the Netherlands. She loved history, telling stories about her life and extensively researching her roots. She cherished her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roely is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Rindert (Richard) Riedstra and is survived by her sons Luitzen (Christine), Gary (Marlene); grandchildren Rachelle (Donny) Groulx, Jeff (Lisa) Riedstra, Stephanie (Darryl) de Leeuw, Scott (Sarah) Riedstra, Brian (Jennifer) Riedstra, Eric (Katie) Riedstra; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Bonnie Medgyes and Doreen (John) Stellingwerff; brother-in-law Dirk Riedstra; and extended family in Canada and the Netherlands.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Community Church, 3897 Holland Ave, on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Choroideremia Research Foundation of Canada (curechm.ca)