Obituary of Anne Eykelhof

Anne Eykelhof died peacefully on November 1, 2009 at Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry, in 1985, and by her son-in-law John Mitchell in 2009. She is survived by her children--Paula (Jim), Alexander (Adija), Hyacinthe and Josephine (Swen) and by grandchildren Emma, Erik, Hayley, Eli, Sarah, Adrian and step-granddaughter Stephanie. Anne Poeze was born in Alkmaar, The Netherlands, on February 28, 1923. During the 1930s and early 40s, she trained as a gymnast and became a member of the Dutch Olympic team. In September 1945, she married Harry Eykelhof. Following the War, they spent the next five years in Indonesia, returning to The Netherlands in 1951. The family immigrated to Canada and settled in the Niagara region in 1957. Anne was a fulltime wife and mother until she joined the Lincoln and Welland Regiment Reserves in 1964, where she attained the rank of Sergeant. She trained to become a Dental Assistant and worked in that field until 1985. Anne also studied to become a Yoga teacher and taught Yoga for more than 25 years. She was a committed volunteer, an avid traveler, a craftsperson skilled at knitting and other fabric arts, someone who appreciated art and music, loved to read, write short fiction and attend the theatre. She was a good friend who enjoyed socializing over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Above all, she was a loving, capable, intelligent woman, always interested, always sympathetic to others, always a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Anne was deeply loved and will be intensely missed by her family and friends. The family would particularly like to thank the staff at the NOTL Hospital, as well as Jennifer Furney and Sally and Ken Leach. In accordance with Anne†™s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends will be received at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, on Saturday November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, after which a celebration of Anne†™s life will be held in the chapel. If desired, donations can be made to the Walker Family Cancer Centre.