Obituary of Japke Reitsma- Vander Hoek

(Nee: Dijkstra) Born: March 8,1918 Tirns, FRIESLAND, The Netherlands Died: January 21, 2013 Cobourg, Ontario Canada, Predeceased by Husband Thijs (May 2, 1978) and 2nd Husband Wietse Vander Hoek (April, 5,1985) as well as a little son, Piet, who passed away on May 24, 1948, at age 3. Daughter of Piet Dijkstra and Grietje Postma. Japke married Thijs Reitsma in 1941 and had seven children where they lived in the small "dorpje" near Scharnegoutum Friesland. In 1955, the family embarked for Canada on the ship Rijndam. They first lived near Fredericton, NB., and then moved to Cayuga, ON, where two more children were born. The children grew and started their own families. Japke's first grandchild was born in 1970. Since then Japke was blessed with a total of 32 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. Japke kept a sharp memory until the last few months of her life. During her lifetime she knitted hundreds of sweaters, socks, etc for her many children and grandchildren. Japke was an avid Bible reader. The notes she left behind include copious letters to the extended family in the Netherlands. These letters bear witness to her deep belief in our Saviour. While married to her second husband and living in Strathroy, she kept records of her extensive Bible study groups.