She was the sixth of ten children. The Second World War made an impact on her young life. She graduated in Home Economics and worked for Shell in food services. Mom married Pieter Horst in 1951 and then she joined him in Indonesia. Their first daughter Ellie was born there. A second child was born but he did not survive. In 1956 Mom and Dad returned to the Netherlands where Fred and Karin were born. In 1958 the family emigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, where Marnie, Anita and Judy completed the family. Mom rose to the challenge of living far from her homeland, among languages that were new to her. In 1966 Pieter was transferred to Montreal, Quebec until their move to Wellingstone Christian Homes in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2016 Mom moved to Shalom Gardens in Grimsby, and very recently to Ottawa to be closer to family.
Mom loved her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She always made sure there was plenty of good food available for them. She made any excuse for a celebration. Every year, for as long as she was able, Mom sent a birthday card to each of her children and grandchildren. The kids loved Oma’s peppermints and banana candies. Mom was unassuming and caring, with a heart for hospitality. Her cooking was appreciated by many. To this day many people recall how Mom and Dad entertained them in their home when they were newcomers to Montreal or visitors to their church or in the Montreal harbor ministry. Mom was an accomplished seamstress, always well dressed and classy. She loved shoes, accessories and clothes- she had a real sense of esthetics. Mom was a woman of unwavering faith. She was active in her church communities. Every morning she read her Bible at the kitchen table and she prayed daily for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom reminded each of us, often, to trust God for every step. Mom maintained her sense of caring and grace to the end. She readily smiled with all who came to visit or to help her. Mom’s legacy will live on through her 6 children, 24 grandchildren and 37+ great-grandchildren.
Mom is predeceased by her husband Pieter, her son in law Len Havinga and 7 siblings.
Mom will be missed and always loved by: Ellie & John Valk, Fred & Diana Horst, Karin Havinga, Marnie & Henry Kranenburg, Anita & Jack VanderVeer , Judy and Matthew Bastian and their families.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to World Renew at www.worldrenew.ca
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