It is with great sadness we announce the gentle passing of our mother, Francisca (Cisca) Wouters after an 11 year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Along with Alzheimer’s disease, Mom endured four joint replacements as a result of her severe arthritis: two hips, one knee and one shoulder. Many of her grandchildren nicknamed her “Bionic Oma!” And that she was ~ strong, determined, loving and kind ~ all at the same time.
Mom was born in Utrecht, the Netherlands during the Great Depression. She was the youngest of 12 children and was truly cherished by her parents and siblings. A strong and determined Zantkuijl family, they all survived World War II.
After the war, Mom embarked on a career as a Kindergarten teacher. Shortly after that, she met the love of her life, Richard. They married on August 4th, 1955. In 1958, Mom and Dad made the very difficult but brave decision to immigrate to Canada to provide the best possible life for their two young children. While in Canada, three more children came along, creating a vibrant and busy household. While life was not always easy as an immigrant family, there are so many wonderful memories as well. We feel so blessed and grateful to be Canadian citizens with a Dutch heritage. What a beautiful legacy our parents left us.
Mom is predeceased by her husband Richard, daughter, Angela, son Jeff, her parents, and 10 of her siblings.
She is survived by her remaining children, Rick (Laureen,) Patricia (Dan,) Jacqueline, 11 grandchildren: Brandy, Jennifer, Shaela, Carly, Tyler, Sean, Adam, Chelsea, Scott, Conner, Quinlan; and 7 great grandchildren Landon, Elliot, Lucy, Ella, Alexander, Charlie and Emily. She is also survived by her big brother, Jo, her only surviving Zantkuijl sibling, who expresses: “Lief zusje tot weerziens, je broer Jo”, which means: “Sweet sister, goodbye, your brother Jo.”
We are eternally grateful for the incredible love, care and respect Mom received as a resident of The New Vista Society Care Home over the last 8 years. Thank you so much for all you did for her. What a blessing you are!
Funeral Details:
Prayers and Viewing
11:00 a.m. Friday, May 1st at St Michaels’ Roman Catholic Church
Jeff’s ashes will be interned in Mom’s casket at this time
Mass of Christian Burial
11:30 am. Friday May 1st – Celebrant Monsignor Bernard Rossi
At St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church
Internment
1:00 p.m. Friday May 1st – Robinson Memorial Park
In lieu of flowers, a donation to The New Vista Care Society toward their music therapy program would be greatly appreciated:
New Vista Care Society
Administration Office
7550 Rosewood Street
Burnaby, BC V5E 3Z3
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Francisca Wouters Friday April 24th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique