HOLTZHEUSER, Hetty - Hetty's journey began in Utrecht, The Netherlands on June 28, 1929, as Hendrika Johanna Theresia Harmsen, the second child of Johannes Harmsen and Maria Buiting.
Together with siblings To, Bram and Ria she navigated childhood into the Nazi occupation of her homeland, enduring five years of extreme hardship.
With the War behind her a young Hetty was introduced to Theodorus Holtzheuser in 1950.
Their eyes met and an eternal bond was forged.
Theo moved to Toronto to reunite with his brothers and their new business.
In 1952, determined that the ocean would not separate her from her love, she followed Theo to Toronto, where in 1954 they would marry.
Together they worked hard to build an ever expanding Holtzheuser Brothers Ltd. In 1957, pregnant, Hetty and Theo decided to return to Nederland in order that their child would be born on Dutch soil. That summer they were rewarded with the birth of a son, Theodoor "Bob".
The following 39 years Hetty, Theo and Bob would divide their time between Canada, their land of opportunity, and Nederland, their land of belonging. Oma and Opa became their cherished title with the arrival of kleinkinderen Shantelle, Sierra and Sheree.
In 1996, Theo was no longer able to continue their journey together. From that day forward Hetty continued in her role as Mom and Oma, expanding that role as Great-Oma with the addition of great-grandchildren Wesley, Everley and Kingsley.
She spent her days watching over her flock, making sure that they knew her love.
On Sunday, December 2, 2018, at 89 1/2 years of age, she too was not able to continue in that journey, and whilst in her sleep, she knew not, that tomorrow was not in her.
To be reunited with her beloved Theo was her most desired wish.
At Hetty's request a private family reunification and burial.
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