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Mara van Proosdij Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mara van Proosdij (née Bekeris) on August 22, 2024 at The Bridge Hospice in Warkworth surrounded by family. Her death was precipitated by a bad fall and chronic health complications. She joins her beloved husband Frans who she cared for so lovingly and unselfishly for a decade at the farm before his premature death from early onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Margriet and grandsons Jayden and Willem, daughter Danika and daughter-in-law Judy, sister-in-law Ida and extended family in the Netherlands as well as her constant furry feline companion Foxy. She was born in Riga, Latvia in 1942 and spent her early years in a displaced person’s camp in Germany before immigrating to Canada in 1949. This laid the foundation for the resilience she demonstrated throughout her life and passed on to her children, growing up with her single mom Fanija Bekeris in Toronto. They were proud to become Canadian citizens in 1955. She graduated high school from Jarvis Collegiate and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University College, University of Toronto. She met her future husband Frans in Amsterdam while on a 9-month tour of Europe with her best friend Pat (pre-deceased). After graduation she became a fashion buyer for Sears in Montreal and married Frans in 1966. After the birth of her children, she became a stay-at-home mom, instilling the love of learning, discovery and exploration in nature; encouraging them to push their boundaries and expand their world. She modelled and demonstrated perseverance, creativity and curiosity while she delved into photography, stained glass, guitar, art and homesteading. When life necessitated after Frans became ill, she transformed their long-term antique hobby into a successful business first at Myersburg Flea Market then Bridgewater Antique Market in Tweed. They enjoyed many hours at auctions, yard sales and thrift stores on the hunt for treasures and Mara drew great satisfaction in restoring antiques to their former selves.
We are eternally grateful for the friendship, compassion, watchful eye and land stewardship by our close neighbours Diane and David Cleugh and daughter Jen. We would like to thank Dr. Kelly Parks for her amazing care, compassion and patience with our mother over the years and for being at her side in her final hour. We thank the community paramedic program for enabling our mother to be as independent in her home as long as possible. Finally, we are grateful for the compassion, comfort, peace and support of the staff at The Bridge Hospice to Mara and her family in her final days. We ask that in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to the hospice: www.thebridgehospice.com/donate. Condolences can be expressed at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com.
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April 4 1942
August 22 2024
Death notice for the town of: Warkworth, Province: Ontario
death notice Mara van Proosdij April 4 1942
August 22 2024
obituaries notice Mara van Proosdij April 4 1942
August 22 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mara van Proosdij April 4 1942
August 22 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
