Greta (Reitsma) Berends

Greta will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years Martin Berends and their children, Marilyn Sigouin, Karen (Jeff) Gordon, and Sharon (Evan) Allison, 7 grandchildren Ryan (Jodie) Sigouin, Tyler (Danica Penner) Gordon, Hannah (Kyle) Parker, Joshua (Shalene Dellezey) Allison, Brooklyn Gordon, Rebekah (Brandon) Homan and Esther Allison, 3 great-grandchildren, Hunter Rempel, Alexander Sigouin and Max Sigouin.

She is survived by one brother Don (Marilyn) Reitsma and one sister Theodora Bronfman.

Greta is predeceased by her brother Douwe Reitsma, sister Jennie Johnston, son-in-law Robert Sigouin and granddaughter Alissa Rempel.

Greta was born in Wommels, Friesland, Netherlands on April 29, 1933 to parents Hessel and Froukje Reitsma. Greta left the Netherlands on April 21, 1950 to immigrate to Canada with her family at the age of 17 settling in Taber, Alberta where she met the love of her life Martin. They were married on September 19, 1958 and began to raise a family in Duncan BC since Martin worked at the Chemainus Sawmill. When Martin took a transfer to another Sawmill the family relocated to Powell River. Once the children were grown and left the home, they began to enjoy retired life. Martin and Greta then decided to move to Mission BC and finally Abbotsford BC where they would once again be near their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Greta was very social and loved family and friend get togethers as well church social gatherings. She was always ready to bake or provide a dish for the various events and would often host meals for family and friends.

Greta loved to sew, knit and crochet. She was an active member of her sewing club in Powell River for many years and always had a knitted or crocheted baby blanket available as a gift for the next baby that arrived.

The last few years had been difficult as she struggled with multiple health issues and chronic pain. Greta was strong and steadfast and her strength carried her through those difficult days. Throughout her life she held an unwavering faith in God, which brought her much peace as her time drew near.

A funeral service will be held on July 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Hope Christian Reformed Church, 34631 Old Clayburn Road, Abbotsford, BC.

Greta will be laid to rest at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in the Field of Honour, 2347 Cedar Road, Cedar BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Greta can be made to the BC Cancer Agency or Living Hope Missions