Catharina Johanna Ykema-van Ingen

Our Angel on earth is now in heaven and words cannot express how much we shall miss her. On January 24, 2018, in her 104th year,

Catharina Johanna Ykema-van Ingen (Totje, To, Catharine, Cathy, Tante To, Oma, Grandma) was reunited with her beloved husband Jan (John), daughter Alida (Alice) and many family and friends who have gone before her. For those she left behind, she will be lovingly remembered for her fun-loving ways, kind spirit, zest for life, compassion, and love for all. A true inspiration and generous soul, she lived her life with never-ending optimism and humour, always thinking of others first. We shall be forever grateful she was, and will remain, a part of our lives with her brightly shining light touching us deeply and making a lasting, loving imprint on our hearts.

Truly a life to celebrate, Catharine was born August 24, 1914, at the start of the 1st World War, and grew up in The Netherlands. She went to teacher’s college before having to stop and go to work at the age of 15, when her Mom passed away. She married her husband Jan at the start of the 2nd World War, during which they had their first child Alida, lived through the war and occupation, then lost their child at 4 years old at the end of the war due to sickness. Ten years later (1955) they started their family again and then immigrated to Canada, with their 3 children, in 1958. She devoted herself to her family and friends; volunteering in the community and helping others; was an active member with her church in Holland, the Highland Road United Church in Kitchener and then, for the past 32 years, Wesley United Church in Cambridge.

She would be the first to tell you her secret to longevity is oatmeal and half a grapefruit at breakfast, warm lemon water at night, healthy eating throughout the day and keeping body, mind and soul active, which she did and lived by her whole life; attending the seniors’ community centre activity program four days a week, participating in exercising, walking and other activities, up until just a few months ago. Over the span of her 103+ years, she was actively involved in sports, fitness, out-reach programs, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Girl Guides, volunteering at seniors’ community centres, as well as other groups and committees.

Catharine contributed to the volunteering, caring community of her churches by visiting the sick and helping the needy in Holland, as a member of the Lady’s Auxiliary at Highland, the Priscilla Unit at Wesley, collaborating on, participating in and supporting fund raising initiatives and other special events in a variety of capacities and always willing to step in when needed with her own cheerful flair. She very much enjoyed and was thankful for the friendship and support of her faith communities.

To’s connection to family and friends in Holland, never wavered. She remained in contact the old fashioned way through letters, and would take some 50 cards minimum (with letters enclosed) to the post office at Christmas time each year. She was able to maintain her wonderful penmanship and letter-writing well into her 90’s, keeping her family and friends close to heart, if not by distance. She was always so happy and thankful for this connection and the letters she received in turn meant a great deal to her as well.

It’s easy to see she had an affinity to children, and sadly had to miss her calling as a teacher. We always knew she was special and she always made us children feel so special. Her greatest pride and joy were her cherished grandchildren Carolien (Mario), Rob, John, Mark, Jenna, Sara, Shelley (Jamie), and Serina; great-grandchildren Ashley, Nicole, Santana (Matt) and Madison; and great-great-grandson Rylan.

Gus (Jeannette), Ann (Stan) and Winnifred (Wayne) invite and welcome relatives and friends to attend a celebration of their Mom’s life on Saturday, February 24th, 3 p.m. at Wesley United Church, 6 Cambridge St., Cambridge, Ontario. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Catharine's memory to Wesley United Church, or the Alzheimer’s Society.

The family is asking people if they could relate/share some of their fonder thoughts, memories and pictures of/with Catharine as a lasting tribute/memory/memento for the family of a life well lived and, if received on time, for inclusion in the celebration. Please send/contact Winnifred directly or write your memory in Catharine’s memorial guest book below.