Hendrika Papenburg

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Oma, and Great-Oma, Hendrika Heyst Papenburg, on Christmas Eve. At the age of 98, she was the last surviving member of her generation in the Heyst (born Heijst) and Papenburg families. Born in Amsterdam to Hendrik Heijst and Ans Boomgaard, she leaves behind her children Hedy (Heimo), Frank (Olwen), and Wendy (Don); her cherished grandchildren Peter (Emma), Steffi (Mike), Grace (Adam), and Noah; and her beloved great-grandchildren Maeve, Arthur, and Margaret.

Henny, as she was affectionately known, was a sweet and gentle soul with a sunny disposition. Her laughter was infectious, and she was always ready with a silly joke, usually laughing before reaching the punchline.

At twenty-one, Henny married her soulmate, Roel. They were blessed to celebrate their 70th anniversary with family just before Roel's passing in 2017. Henny was devoted to Roel, caring for him with unwavering love. In her late teens, she worked in a bakery in Amsterdam before becoming a dedicated homemaker after marriage. In January 1957, Henny and Roel immigrated to Canada with their three young children, braving the cold winter. Their fourth child was born in Canada.

Henny was an exemplary homemaker, focusing entirely on her family. There was nothing she couldn’t do. Every home she lived in was brightened by big sunny windows filled with plants and flowers that she lovingly tended to. Henny was incredibly talented, displaying her art on the walls, including paintings and needlepoint. She created various crafts, from pottery and tiffany lamps to stained glass flowers and angels. She sewed clothes, Halloween costumes, school uniforms, tablecloths, napkins, Christmas decorations, and knitted scarves, hats, and gloves. Henny also made curtains, recovered furniture, and laid carpet. She even built a skating rink in their backyard in Tracy and won an award for her snow sculptures. Her art was showcased in an exhibit where she sold some of her lovely paintings. Henny's gardens were always the most beautiful in the neighbourhood, with tulips being her favorite. She loved riding her green bicycle to the grocery stores and, in later years, walked to her favorite spots, always on the lookout for a good bargain.

Music was a significant part of Henny's life. She usually had the radio on and sang along. Sunday mornings were for blasting opera music and listening to her and Roel’s favorite composers. Henny was a fantastic cook, delighting everyone with their favorite meals. Her Christmas desserts were a hit with everyone, as was her famous Dutch apple cheesecake. Mom had a deep love for animals and over the years, she cared deeply for many family dogs. Each one held a special place in her heart. Dad always said how lucky we were to have a mom like her, just as he was lucky to have a wife like her. He was right.

Henny's full name was Hendrika Johanna Angela. Perhaps that's why angels sang to her and surrounded her. We find comfort in the stained glass angels she made, which now remind us of her presence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the third-floor caregivers and nurses at Promenade, her wonderful physiotherapist Audrey, and Dr. Guidon for their years of care and attention.

Losing Henny on Christmas Eve was incredibly difficult, but knowing she is reunited with Roel and her family brings us comfort. Bless her soul as she reunites with her love in the afterlife. A celebration of life will take place in the spring.

Tot ziens, lieve Mama 💕