Mercifully, the angels of God came before dawn and carried Josie up to Heaven, forever freed from all earthly trials, on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at home in Brook Village.
Josie was born in Holland on February 8, 1948, the eldest of eight siblings of the late William and Ardina (Selten) van den Heuvel.
Josie is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Joseph "Joe" Peeters; daughters, Willena (David) van Zutphen, Port Hood; Cathy (Duane) MacNeil, Ottawa; Joanie (Angus) MacDonell, Judique; Christa (Glen) Mooney, Antigonish; grandchildren, Marissa (Anthony), Nicole, Lauren (Mitchell), Luke, Alexander, Hanna Rose, Calli, Sarah, Anthony, Joseph, Alena and Grace; great-grandchildren, Violet and Grayson.
Josie is also survived by her siblings, Denny (Mary), Johnny (Hilde), Corry, Cathy (Colin) Campbell, Nelly Munro and Garry (Janie). Josie was predeceased by her sister, Catherina van den Heuvel in infancy; brother-in-law, Graham Munro and sister-in-law, Shirlene van den Heuvel.
In 1966, Joe returned to Holland, where he married his sweetheart Josie on February 19th. One week later, they returned to Nevada Valley, Canada, to start their farm life together. Throughout the years of milking cows, raising three daughters, and tending to the care of Joe's mother, Maria Peeters, Josie carried out her passion for sewing and gardening where neighbors would often be the recipients of her bountiful gardens and creative bedspreads. Josie loved to sing and dance. She enjoyed listening to the radio and partaking in family sing-alongs.
In 1980, Josie was diagnosed with M.S. At this time, Joe and Josie sold the farm and welcomed their fourth daughter. Josie was strong in her sickness yet gentle and true. Her strength of character was admired by all. The way Josie exemplified faith and appreciation for the good things in life lightened the burden of M.S. as she always remained positive and continued to see the blessings in life and everyone around her. The way her illness was handled brought new perspective of compassion to the community.
Josie's compliments were genuine and sincere, always touching the hearts of many. With an exemplary outlook on life, Josie had a beautiful way of seeing the good in people providing heart-warming welcomes, quick wit and an abundance of gratitude, which shaped her most distinct characteristic- she was the best listener. Josie's generous heart brought her numerous friends. The love and care of Mom's brothers and sisters, and the kindness of our neighbors and community, has helped her tremendously; giving her the strength, courage, and support she needed.
Home Care had a special place in her heart, and we are grateful to have shared this journey with such capable and humble people. She was so thankful that she could see her family grow.
A special thank you to Dr. Bernie, Dr. Egar and all the nursing staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for all their compassion and care.
Joe has stood by her side, as he promised fifty-five years ago, showing pure and devoted love towards Josie, making her journey, and her life, complete.
A private family Mass will be held in St. John The Baptist Church, Brook Village on Thursday, March 4th at 11:00 a.m. with Father Bernie MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in Brook Village Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Brook Village Cemetery Fund, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital or to the M.S. Society, Atlantic Division.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
