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Antoon Leenaars posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Tante Nelly: Where do I begin? I first met my aunt, when I was very young, in The Netherlands when she and her family came to visit her birthplace. I next met my Tante, when my family immigrated to Canada. There are many stories that I can tell; yet, perhaps the most important is the following: Tante Nelly was my knight in shinning armour. Yes, she was a knight! Being an immigrant in Canada was not easy in those years. There was racism and bullying. I was an immigrant, a reason enough for the bullying. Like my parents, I could not speak English; I was told I had "Dutchy flees" ( I had no idea what that meant, but I assumed it was not good, given the verbal and physical violence towards me). Perhaps the grey flannels and white shirt that I wore made me different. Looking back we must have looked out of place in our Dutch school clothes. My sister and I often wanted to walk back to The Netherlands. More than once my aunt came to save me. Once the M brothers ripped my grey flannels as they beat me in the schoolyard. I still recall, as if yesterday, that she was in the principal's office advocating for me and against school bullying. She protected me. She saved me. My aunt stopped the bullying! Tante Nelly was my knight! Thank you once more.
In her obituary you read about all the kids she cared for, and that included my sibs and me. For me, the many mouths she fed stands out. Kids never forget their favourite foods. Her upside down pineapple cake was the best. However, my favourite was her aardappel koude schotel (potato salad). Yummy.
Where do I end? That is simple about Tante Nelly: One could want no better aunt. Dank U for everything, my knight. Love you, your nephew, Antoon Leenaars
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Harry Schrickx purchased flowers
Friday, November 20, 2020
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Harry Schrickx
purchased the Beautiful in Blue and planted a memorial tree for the family of Petronella van Hooydonk.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ad Nooren, Alois, Monique, Harry, Brigitte, Mieke, Chris, Kris, Jules, Greet.
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Nellie posted a condolence
Friday, November 20, 2020
Our condolences to Nellie’s whole family, Nellie had the magic touch, she was a caring Loving lady, a kind word, a hand on your cheek, she was Love,
Mom made Nellie’s Eirkoek yesterday
Special lady
Nellie, Sjef
& Kevin Van Den Elzen
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Anna Marie Loebach posted a condolence
Thursday, November 19, 2020
So sad to lose Tante Nelly. Not only was she my aunt, she was my Godmother. I didn't see her often, but when I did, there was always a big smile of greeting. After those visits, as we said good-bye, she would cup my cheek like she did when I was a child. It made me feel cherished and loved.
She will stay in our hearts forever. Thinking of you all.
Sincerest sympathies,
Anna Marie and Joe
and Family
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Pete Broccolo posted a condolence
Thursday, November 19, 2020
To Connie and your extended family, my condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Former Canadian Martyrs, PK Kerwin, and Grantham classmate
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Claudia Wisdom-Good posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
I want to thank Mrs. van Hooydonk, Cathy's Mom, who led such an incredibly generous and giving life for her family. My brother is so very fortunate to be included in this loving family for these many years. I am so grateful that he was able to experience the love and friendship the van Hooydonks give at every moment, and the marriage he has with their daughter, Cathy. Their family, The Good Family, are who they are today, because of Mrs. & Mr. van Hooydonk and the way that they lived and raised Cathy. "Nelly" was so smart, witty, sweet and humble and I loved so much that we celebrated the same birthdays.
Rest in Peace Mrs. van Hooydonk, joined in heaven with Mr. van Hooydonk. A very important light went out today in many lives. Love, Claudia Wisdom-Good (Jim's sister)
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The family of Petronella van Hooydonk uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
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