Frances Voogt

She is now reunited with her “honey bunny” husband Peter and parents Andy (Anne) and Jean (Jantje) Beintema. Devoted mother of Julie Voogt and Lisa Kouretsos. Cherished grandmother of Nicole and Laura, and Bill, Tom and Jenna. Treasured Great Grandmother of Nathaniel, Naomi and Estrella. Frances loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart. She was very proud of all their accomplishments. Her cuddles and giggles will forever hold a special place in each of their hearts. Dear sister of John (Alice) and Janet Meloen (Rick).

Frances was born Freekje Beintema on September 19, 1942 in the village of Blija, Friesland in the Netherlands. It has been told she was so small at birth that she could fit in a wooden shoe. The family with Frances and younger brother John immigrated to Canada in 1948. They settled in Ridgeway where she and John attended school. After high school Frances had a job in the local drug store and gift store where she likely got the bug to collect plates. Sister Janet came on the scene in 1954 much to the delight of Frances. The family were charter members of the Christian Reformed Church in Niagara Falls. This is where she met her future husband, Peter Voogt. They were married on August 31, 1963. They lived in Chippawa for a short time then moved to Grimsby where Frances worked at Beamish Department Store. They soon moved to a farm in Winona and started a greenhouse operation. The family grew with the two daughters Julie and Lisa.

Frances loved dressing her daughters in her handmade creations. The girls were always in proper attire, with good manners. Eventually the family came to Niagara-on-the-Lake to live on a fruit farm on Concession 4. This was their home for over 40 years. Frances helped on the farm and in the off season would find work in neighbouring greenhouses and family greenhouses. She had so much more than a green thumb, she loved flowers and was most happy surrounded by and caring for them. Near the end of their farming career, Frances and Peter enjoyed the Niagara Falls Farmer’s Market with their vegetable stand, that she was most proud of. Frances was always busy, tending the gardens and her beloved hostas, cutting the grass, with a push mower or occupied with crafts. She liked to do various crafts, needlepoint, adult colouring and knitting. Her handwriting was impeccable, from personal letters and special occasion cards, regularly keeping in touch with family in Holland.

Frances made friends easily with her sunny disposition and always seemed to have a positive attitude. Saturdays were her day to make the trip to Ramaker’s Dutch Store and to Walmart or Micheal’s for wool. Sundays were for church and she was a faithful member of Faith Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Niagara Falls. It was sad that her later years brought on the onset of Alzheimer’s. Peter and the family tried their best to care for her and keep her at home, but it began to be overwhelming. Frances spent her last years at Westhill Care Center in St. Catharines. Frances knew she was a child of God and is now at peace with her Lord.

Visitation will take place at Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel, 5176 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls (905-354-5614) on Sunday September 7, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside Interment will be held at Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery in Niagara on the Lake on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Fellowship Church, 4878 Jepson Street, Niagara Falls.

Donations will be thankfully received for the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the exceptional staff at both Westhills Care Centre and Marotta Family Hospital for their many thoughtful expressions of kindness, reassurance and extraordinary care.

Fond memories, special photographs and messages of condolence may be shared below.