Our dear mother, Grietje Bruinsma Bakker, passed away at The Elliott Community on Friday, October 7th, 2022, while in her 100th year. Grietje was the beloved wife of and constant support to Rein Bakker (deceased 2018) for over 72 years.
Grietje was a loving and encouraging Mem (mother) to her children: Lucy Hengeveld, Janey Davis (Robert), Willi van der Woude (Ron Wrigley), Mary Ann Bakker (George VanderGaast), Alice Kuiper (Mark) and Sid Bakker (Brigitte Mausser). She was predeceased by an infant son, Sipke and by two sons-in-law, Bernie Hengeveld and Wim van der Woude.
She was a proud and loving Beppe (Grandmother) to her grandchildren: Ryan and Susan, Diana and Brad, Martin and Anne, Michael and Lidia, Jennifer and David, Kirt and Martina, Rebecca and Anthony, Sarah and Nathan, Karina and Nathan, ShariAnn, Carolyn and Ben and Zachary and Jessica. The added blessings of nineteen greatgrandchildren made her joy complete.
Grietje was born in Arum, Fryslan, the Netherlands. A middle child in a family of eleven children, she was the last surviving member of her family. As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Rein Bakker. Although their relationship flourished, the events of World War II and Rein’s involvement with the Resistance delayed their marriage until 1946. While residing in the Netherlands they were blessed with 2 children. Prior to their immigration to Canada, they suffered the death of their first son. They arrived in Canada in 1949 and were later blessed with 5 more children.
Grietje had an inner tenacity, a beautiful smile that reached her eyes and a good sense of humour. She was an excellent seamstress, did considerable needlepoint and knitting, faithfully and joyfully sang in the church choir for many years, enjoyed travelling often and far with Rein and especially loved walking on sandy beaches; however, her family was always her priority.
Grietje had a strong faith in God and credited Him with the strength He provided her to raise her family through the many times when her husband was ill. She was an encourager. She was constantly in prayer for her children and their children and pointed them toward Jesus for their salvation.
In February of 2016, Grietje and Rein were separated when he entered long term care at The Elliott Community of Guelph. Grietje moved into retirement living at The Elliott later the same year. She mourned her inability to care for him as she had done for many times before when he was ill; but her own health did not allow her to continue to do so. Even with their separation and poor health, together they agreed that they had had a good life and were thankful for it.
After Rein died in 2018, our mother still had many good and wonderful experiences, but over time her health declined. We rejoice for her in her passing. She was looking forward to a Wonderful Celebration in the presence of her Lord and a reunion with her love, Rein. We will truly miss her presence in our lives, but are grateful for the gift she was to us, her “precious jewels”.
Our hearts are full of gratitude to staff at The Elliott Community, for laughing with her, encouraging her when needed and showing loving, compassionate care right to the end. We are also grateful for the love and compassion they showed to the members of our family who stayed with Mom during her last days.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 12:00 noon – 1 p.m. at Water Street Church, 287 Water Street, Guelph. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Reception following the service. A private family interment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park at an earlier time. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph.
If anyone should wish to give a gift in memory of our mother, we would encourage you to consider The Elliott Community. We invite you to leave your memories and donations at www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.