March 21, 1936 – January 25, 2024
Peacefully at Algoma Manor after a 6-year struggle with Alzheimers, at the age of 87. Riet is back in the arms of her beloved husband of 67 years Benjamin (predeceased 2021).
Cherished Mother of Rita Petty-Veldt of Windsor, Joanne Green (Rod) of Thessalon and Ben of Windsor.
Loving Grandma of Lee Petty (Elaine), Christine Petty, Jennifer Green (Graham) and Stephanie Green (Justin).
Beloved sister of Johanna Storch (Hank), Henny Collins (late Larry) of Florida and Johannes (predeceased 1943).
Loved sister in-law of Nicolaas Veldt (late Amalia) of Wawa, late Christiaan (late Christine, late Marty), and Greet Froger (late Sjors), Dini Athoff (late Renee), Albert (Daphne), and late Emmy (late Klaas) all of the Netherlands. Predeceased by her parents Johannes and Hendrina Sanderse.
Dear Aunty Riet to many nieces and nephews in Canada, Florida and the Netherlands.
She will be missed by cousin Helen from Israel and others in the Netherlands. Her friends and neighbours will miss her smiles and laughter.
Riet came to Canada in 1953 from the Netherlands with her parents and sisters in search of a better life. Her love Benjamin followed soon after and their 67-year long love story began Dec 12 1953.
Riet was a proud, loving, supportive mom and wife. She was kind and genuinely cared about those around her. She loved to share stories about her Dutch heritage, and she was proud to become Canadian.
Riet was happiest when she was with her husband and family celebrating any occasion, especially those that involved music and laughter. She loved the summer outdoors watching the butterflies while Benjamin was building another birdfeeder. She shared her traditional Dutch recipes and her special meatballs with her family. Riet enjoyed volunteering at the hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. She loved reading and the time she spent in her bowling league, the Benelux Club and the Moose Lodge. She was an avid seamstress and enjoyed sewing for the Navy League while working with the youth. She worked as a seamstress in the Netherlands and was proud to create many dresses for herself and her daughters. Every project Benjamin was working on, Riet was always by his side helping.
She had a great sense of humour and would always say “I’m going to write a book someday to share my stories”, one of them being about the year she lived in Sweden as a young girl.
Riet deeply missed her beloved husband, Benjamin. They are now together again soaring high with their birds and butterflies.
The family would like to thank the Nurse Practitioners and staff at Algoma Manor for the loving compassionate care given to Mom during her 2 year stay. She loved everyone and was very grateful. Thank you to the many doctors at SAH and GHC who cared for Mom over the years.
A private family graveside service and burial will be held early summer where Maria and Benjamin will be laid to rest.
Arrangements entrusted to Beggs Funeral Home.