It is with great sadness that the family of Antonia Francisca Wagemakers announce her passing on April 16, 2024 at the remarkable age of 94.
She is predeceased by her loving husband, Piet and siblings Joan and Rieny.
Antonia will be forever lovingly remembered by her children Els (Robert), Anja (Gerald), John (Shirley) and Ray (Sherri), nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren with her eleventh due to arrive in July.
Antonia was born in Breda, The Netherlands in 1929. She was only 11 years old when The Netherlands became occupied by the Germans in WW2. She fondly remembered the incredible celebrations when liberation finally came in 1945.
As a teen she loved swimming and always cherished a medal she won in a canal competition.
Antonia’s first job was as a nanny, as well she worked in retail environments until she met Piet. They met while riding a bus together. Piet looking dapper in his sailor’s uniform winked at her and got up the courage to chat with her. He rode the bus to her stop much further than his own and then had to walk several miles home. It was all worth it as they married a few years later on February 22, 1954. Piet was posted to Vlissingen, but was sent on a peace time tour of duty to New Guinea for a year and a half. Antonia stayed behind with their new daughter, Els. They exchanged weekly photos and letters to keep their love and commitment alive. Shortly after his return they moved to Geertruidenberg, with now two daughters in tow and welcomed a son, John.
In 1960 Piet and Antonia embarked on their biggest adventure and immigrated to Canada where they eventually settled in Carberry where Ray their youngest was born. After seven years, another move took them to Portage la Prairie where, after a few years they built their dream home. Our mom knew how to make a house a home which made each transition easier for all of us. Her green thumb produced the most beautiful gardens. She inspired all four of her children who love gardening. What a lovely gift to pass on.
In 1978, another move was afoot and the family moved to Oakbank. Without fail mom again transformed the garden into a park like setting. They hosted family, friends and relatives in their cozy, inviting home and garden. Incredible memories were made and will always be part of the beautiful fabric of our lives.
Mom loved to knit, crochet, and do needlepoint and the results were amazing. Ray was thrilled when she knitted toques for his entire hockey team.
Mom travelled to the Netherlands several times over the years to visit cherished family and friends. She travelled with Piet to visit Els and Robert and grandchildren in Nelson and Whitehorse many times over the years. When Piet retired in 1991 it started a wonderful annual winter trip to Texas. They revelled in the freedom of feeling youthful again.
After Piet’s sudden passing in 2002 the children rallied around Antonia to help her settle in a warm and inviting apartment in Osborne Village. In record time she had the place decorated and was gardening in full swing on her balcony. Antonia made the best of friends in her new home. Mom became an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and never missed watching a game on TV with Ray by her side, cheering them on.
Our mom was a remarkable woman and the heart of our home and she will be missed beyond measure.
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