Wilhelmina (Groenendijk) Duiker of Guelph, Ontario, went to be with her Lord on Sunday the 18th of October at Shalom Manor in Grimsby, Ontario at the age of 97.
She was born June 24, 1923 in Dirksland, Goeree-Overflakkee, South Holland, The Netherlands, to Aren and Maria (van der Maden) Groenendijk. She was the firstborn of six children. She married Christiaan (Chris) Johannes Duiker on September 4, 1947 who predeceased her in October 2006.
Wilhelmina (Wilma) endured the great depression and the Second World War as a child and a young adult. Her mother passed away when Wilma was 20 leaving her with the bulk of the responsibility for the care of her younger siblings, the youngest of whom was four years old at the time.
Wilma and Chris immigrated to Canada with three children aboard the Groote Beer in 1953. In Canada, together they made a home, learned English, gave birth to four more children, and began a construction business, predominately in Acton, Ontario.
Wilma always had a quick wit and loved a mischievous laugh. She was an accomplished seamstress, and worked tirelessly in support of Christian Education.
She is survived by all seven of her children, Rinke (Juliet), Ria (John) Verdonk, Archie (Sue), Chris (Joanne), Mary (Andy) Vandermarel, Rob (Fran), and Nancy (Ron) DenBak. She is also survived by her sister Huipie van der Welle and brother Leen Groenendijk in the Netherlands, as well as 26 grandchildren and 56 great grandchildren.
Wilma's family members wish to express their gratitude to the 4th floor staff at Shalom Manor for the care and the love that she has received for the past number of years and especially during her final weeks and days.
A private family service will be held at Emmanuel Canadian Reformed Church, Guelph on Friday, October 23, 2020. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be made to the Christian School of your choice or Shalom Manor.
Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online and they will be forwarded to the family.