The Lord called Betty home on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 surrounded by the love and comfort of her family peacefully at her residence in Milverton. Betty was born in Holland 69 years ago, a daughter of the late Jan and Geertje (van Eenenaam) Hoek.
Betty will be forever missed by her beloved husband Dirk Willemsen, whom she married on December 13th, 1973. Cherished mother of Paula Egger (Werner), Karin Willemsen (Rene), Ingrid Gropp (Ken), Bianca Den Hertog (Kees). Devoted grandmother of Andrew (Morgan), Ian, Savannah, Leona, Derek, Daniel, Nadine, Nate, Bridget, Taylor, Kaleb and Kace. Betty will be forever missed by her siblings Nies van de Vusse, Corrie de Bruin (Harry), Piet Hoek (Marion), Jan Hoek, and by in-laws Rijkje Willemsen (Joop), Ton Willemsen (Greet) and Marius Willemsen (Carina) and by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Betty is predeceased by her brother Lou-Jan Hoek and brother-in-law Ton van de Vusse.
Together, Dirk and Betty moved to Canada 39 years ago and continued raising their family on their dairy farm, where Betty also started The Knitting Needle. During her 20 year business, she moved to the St Jacobs Farmers Market, where her passion for helping others blossomed. Upon retirement, her devotion to God’s calling led her to PAN Missions, where she spent several years supporting the people of Nicaragua, up until her final days. Betty was an active member of Burns Presbyterian Church. She also spent her time volunteering at the Milverton Thrift Store, Knollcrest Lodge, and supporting those of need in her community. Wherever God called her, she was there. Betty will be greatly missed by all. As her children said, “she wasn’t just our mother, she was a mother to many.”
Relatives and friends were invited to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 7 Spencer Street, Milverton, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 1 – 3:30 & 6 – 8 p.m. The funeral service took place at the Perth East Recreational Complex, Milverton, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
As expressions of sympathy, donations will be accepted to Pan Missions Nicaragua or Burns Presbyterian Church and can be done through the funeral home.
Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
