MARIA (MIES) DUYKERS (published on September 13, 2008)
| MARIA (MIES) DUYKERS (nee VERBOORT) Peacefully and with dignity, Mies passed away in her sleep at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg in her 87th year on Thursday, September 11, 2008. With the support of her loving family and her nurturing home care workers, Mies was able to fulfill her wishes to remain in her own home for the duration of her life well-lived. Mies will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children and their spouses. Ronald and wife Christine, Jacquiline and husband Robert Norris, and son Marc and wife Nancy, all of Winnipeg and son Fred and wife Barbara of Hamilton, ON. Forever adored by her grandchildren, Ronald Jr. (Angela), Christopher, Michael (Rhonda), Maureen (Slade), Stephen, Stephen Dale, Bryan and Andrew. Oma was loved by 10 great-grand-children, Kerry, Randy, Samantha, Michaela, Brittanee, Ashlee, Austin, Marcus, Alexandra and Justin. She is survived by her nieces, Mies (Ton), Lucia (Albert), Rita (Han) and Gemma; and by her nephews, Gus (Ria), Andre and Coos (Cathrina). She is also survived by her life-long girlfriends, Pop and Liesbeth of the Netherlands and Shan, Lucia, Johanna, Janny and family in Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frans (2002); her sisters, Dien, Wil and Coba; and her brother Wim. Mies was a strong, fair, generous and loving woman who was sharp as a tack until the end. She was a realist - a non-judgmental, supportive woman. She was a mother, taking her role seriously and with the utmost tenacity. There was no one like her kids, and she loved who they loved with all her heart. Affectionately known by many as Oma, all children who crossed her path were seen as special and were treated as such; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who revered her for her kindness, support, boxes of Smarties and five dollar bills given freely and unconditionally. Mies was born in the city of Den Haag in the Netherlands on June 19, 1922. On October 15, 1942, Mies married Frans Duykers who became her life-long partner. In July 1960, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg, MB. In compliance with Mies' wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Instead, a celebration of Mies' life will be held at the home of her son Marc on Monday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m., 145 Heartland Trail, Headingley. The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to Moms' home care workers, Crystal, Alexandra and Minerva and to her physician Dr. Doug Henry for the exceptional care of mom. We'll love you forever; we'll love you for always. |
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