Angela’s Obituary
Angela Papenhuyzen (Plas) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and music on January 27, 2022.
Angela was well-loved by four children: Cynthia Wikkerink (Wes), Shawn McEwen (Lisa), John Papenhuyzen (Allison), and Jane Papenhuyzen and seven grandchildren: Rebekah, Celeste, Joshua, Jacob, Joseph, Jessica and Audrey. She was loved and will be missed by her siblings: Herman, Annie (deceased 2019), Tinie, Henk (deceased 1986), Harry, Bernie, Ria, Anton, Gerda, John, Femie, Jeanette, and Henriette. Angela will be missed by her numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and relatives in Canada, USA, Australia and the Netherlands. Angela was predeceased by her husband Con Papenhuyzen (2019) and her parents Hendrik Plas (1997) and Marie Plas-Tubben (2000).
Angela was born in Slagharen, Overijsel, the Netherlands in 1943. At the age of 12 she emigrated to Canada with her large family settling first in Nova Scotia and later Ontario. Growing up on the family farm, Angela developed a strong work ethic and commitment to family and community.
Angela possessed an incomparable creative spirit and energy that was evident in every aspect of her life. Through hard work, and a commitment to providing excellence in customer service, Angela established successful hair salons in Vancouver, Cambridge, Kitchener, and most recently in Flesherton. Many of her clients became life-long friends, as you couldn’t help but be drawn to her warmth, passion, and humour. She was a strong and passionate role model to her large, extended circle of family and friends.
Angela was a gracious and generous host. She was happiest surrounded by laughter and lively conversations, and there was always room for another guest at her table. Angela was known for her elaborate, gorgeous food platters, quality wine, Ceasar salads with extra garlic…and for special occasions, she even hired jazz musicians.
Angela’s adventurous spirit was on full display, when, at age 62, she embarked on a cycling trip from Calgary to Goderich with her sister. She enjoyed many travels with Con and family which were full of spontaneity and mischief. Angela reflected that these adventures helped give her the courage and resilience to face her most recent challenges.
Angela loved her grandkids a great deal, going to dance and piano recitals, soccer tournaments and races, lavishing gifts and boasting about their potential.
Angela felt incredibly welcomed by the Flesherton community when she and Con made the later-life leap to relocate to rural living after 27 years in downtown Kitchener. Through her hair salon, supporting local business and involvement in arts and culture, Angela’s generous spirit and zest for life allowed her to become quickly enfolded into the community. She made friends wherever she went, which was evident even in her last weeks when business owners would come out to her vehicle with warm greetings and tea.
We would like to thank the community, family and neighbours for the incredible support, which cumulatively made it possible to honour her wishes to live out her remaining time at home where she could enjoy sunrise/sunsets, bird-feeder activity and wonderful meals in the comfort of her home.
A Celebration of Life will be held during her favourite season, spring.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to make a donation to the “Out of the Cold” program administered through Safe ‘n Sound – www.safensoundgreybruce.ca. or even join us in “The Coldest Night of the Year” fundraising walk on Feb. 26 in Owen Sound or Kitchener.
There will be a Memorial Webinar for Angela on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a virtual reception. Tech assist: celeste.wikkerink@gmail.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Angela Papenhuyzen October 09 1943 January 28 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Markdale, Province: Ontario
my condolences for the children and grandchildren
for the lost of their mom and grandmother Angela Papenhuyzen-Plas.
And also for all the Plas family for the lost of their sister.
I have good memories; she was a great woman.
I was lucky to stay at her place in Kitchener twice. It was a special time.
Ineke Tubben, Slagharen Holland