Hendrika Wilhelmina Van de Maat
April 10, 1927 - December 2, 2020
As in the song I'll fly away, our Mom has gone upstairs to be with her beloved Irish Setter Queenie, her Chevy, and friends and family who went ahead Hendrika died peacefully in her sleep on December 2, 2020 in her room at Butterfly Meadows, St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital.
In 1950, Hendrika and her husband Ed immigrated to Canada, choosing Canada in gratitude and appreciation for the liberation of Holland by Canadian soldiers in 1945.
Henny was predeceased by her parents Hendrik and Frederika Jansen, her brother John and her ex-husband Ed. She is survived by her daughters Dinah and Joanne, who miss their wonderful mother but are relieved that she has found her celestial shore and is free.
With her characteristic determination, Hendrika fulfilled her dream of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse even though in addition to learning the medical terms, she had to use an English/Dutch reverse dictionary in order to understand the language. She loved nursing and was known as Vandy at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, where she worked for 28 years until she retired in 1992. She then became a volunteer at the Glenrose cafeteria for many years during lunch hour, assisting patients and visitors with their trays, wrapping bakery items, and assisting in clearing tables, continuing to be her cheerful self. Henny received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004 for her volunteer work, having received many glowing compliments and commendations on the nomination ballots.
Henny stressed the importance of having friends, and had so many in all of the aspects of her life. She will be deeply missed
The family wishes to extend their profound appreciation to Dr. R. Peters and the staff at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital. We will always remember their kindness.
In keeping with Hendrika's wishes, no funeral will be held. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation 10230-111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5G OB7 or the Edmonton Humane Society or the Alberta SPCA
Vandy was an incredible person – I have known her since she was a student, preparing to be an LPN. I knew her at the Glenrose for many years and always appreciated her phone call to remind us of the Glenrose Coffee Group at Smitty’s restaurant the following Monday. It didn’t matter if we got to speak directly to her or had a message on the machine, it picked up my spirits. I have so many pleasant memories of this wonderful person.
She was a wonderful lady, always treated me with so much kindness when I visited the hospital. I always enjoy receiving her letters. She will be dearly missed
Vandy was such a dear friend and colleague at Glenrose. I will miss her laugh, and all her kind and caring ways. Know, Dinah and Joanne, how much we will miss her, and how much she was loved. Please take care, and God Bless. My deepest sympathy. Hugs, Joan.
Condolences on the passing of my faithful. Good. Friend VNDY.
I hAve many. Memories of a our friendship to cherish,………Monday night movies………….coffee. and the wonderful view from the top of the hill……….and many more.
Thank you to the family for keeping me in touch . I appreciated the messages and pictures very much.
She was diligent in organizing Coffee sessions for fellow workers And respected by all.
Peace be with you at this difficult time.
I am fortunate to have had her as my friend
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Henny. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Also remembering Vandy as a colleague at the Glenrose: Doreen Johnson, Sheron Pickard, Janet Hutsulak, Dru Edmiston, Hazel Wilson. Carroll Thorowsky, Maureen Weinberg. We all have such wonderful memories.
So sorry to hear of Henny,s passing.My parents and yours go back to their first days in Lamont and continued over many years thru cards and phone calls.They had the uncanny ability to pick up their conversation of memories like it happened today! I baby sat you girls on many occasions and it was something to come from the country to the big city.Thank you for letting me know of her passing…if you would like to come out in the summer …we will definitely share coffee and cinnamon buns….Our sincere sympathy….Pat and Debbie!
While I never new this person, my family has spoken of her. I am guessing we are related. Story I missed the chance to know her.