PARK, Gerardina (nee VANDEWALL) - At age 86. Dina passed away peacefully in Peterborough, Ontario on May 20, 2022.
Predeceased by her loving husband, John Edward Park.
She will be missed by her daughters, Gwendolyn Valliere (Robert), and Lilian Hirdes (late Kees); her son Anthony Kruk; her grandchildren John (Alyssa), Susan (Gregory), and Samantha (Joseph); great-grandchildren Katrina, James, Jason, and Liam; and her sister-in-law and dearest friend Anne Vandewall.
Dina was born in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 29, 1935.
After the war, which she spent in an internment camp with her mother, the family was relocated to the Netherlands, where she grew up and trained to be a Montessori teacher, graduating with top marks.
She immigrated to Canada with her first husband in 1957. Dina returned to teaching in 1970 and dedicated herself to her students, several of whom continued their relationship with her beyond the classroom.
She married her beloved John in 1974, and they enjoyed their involvement in community theatre. Dina was a gifted crafter, producing beautiful tapestries, needlepoint, and sweaters for the children every Christmas.
The family is grateful for the care given Dina by Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Peterborough Retirement Residence.
Funeral and interment will be private.