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Nellie DeBrouwer Obituary
DeBrouwer, Petronella Johanna (Nellie)
December 12th, 1931- January 31, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Petronella Johanna DeBrouwer, “Nellie”
who was peacefully welcomed into the arms of Jesus on January 31st, 2025. She was in her 94th year and was the beloved wife and best friend to Tony DeBrouwer (2016) for 62 years.
Nellie was a cherished mother to her 11 children. Joanne (Pete) Young, Diane (Andy) Lease, John (Debbie) DeBrouwer, Larry, Tony (Elizabeth) DeBrouwer, Lisa (Jim) McDonnell, Christine (Ron) Priestap, Rick (MaryAnn) DeBrouwer, Rob (Mandy) DeBrouwer, Tracy (Jeff) Gore and Mike DeBrouwer.
The beloved Oma of 32 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren and another great great grandchild on the way.
She is survived by her brother, Adje Vermeer, her sisters, Stien Vermeer, Lies Verheyen, (Jef) en Mike Pijnenburg. As well as her sister and brother in laws: Annie Vermeer (Reijrink), Case (Nelis) DeBrouwer and Ria DeBrouwer.
Predeceased by her mother and father, Leonard and Gerdina Vermeer, her granddaughter Emily DeBrouwer, her nephews Andrew and Jim Mutsaers, her brothers and sisters Kees, Fien, Riet, Pelamina, Sjef, Jaan, Frans, Marthenus and Aneke Vermeer, brother and sister in laws Catharina (Toos) Mutsaers-Reyen, Anna, Cornelia, Johanna, Henricus DeBrouwer, Martinus DeBrouwer, Will DeBrouwer, Simon DeBrouwer, and her mother in law and father in law, Johanna and Jan DeBrouwer.
Petronella “Nellie” was born in Holland and was the oldest daughter of 14 children. From a young age, Nellie instinctively knew how to take care of her younger siblings. She was blessed with a nurturing spirit, and had a deep love for all children, especially babies.
On April 6, 1954, Nellie married the love of her life, Tony DeBrouwer, in a double wedding ceremony. Shortly after, they made their way to Canada, where she embarked on her dream of raising a large family on a dairy farm outside of Embro. Nothing brought her greater joy than her 11 children and grandchildren, whom she adored and cared for. Nellie would often be found preparing large, delicious meals to show her love and appreciation for her family. Through it all, Nellie’s infectious smile was ever-present, a reflection of her joyful spirit and loving demeanour.
Nellie held a deep and unwavering faith, often spending time in prayer. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Stratford for many, many years.
Heaven has gained an angel in Nellie- wife, sister, mother, and oma. Loving, selfless, generous, devoted, strong, resilient, and absolutely hilarious are just a few words that capture the essence of this incredible woman. It was a true privilege to call her ‘mother’ and ‘oma.’ There was no-one like her, and her absence will be felt more profoundly than words can express.
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Knollcrest Lodge. Your patience, kindness, and compassion were truly remarkable. It was such a joy to visit our mother and witness her playful teasing with the staff, always accompanied by laughter and smiles. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts- your kindness will never be forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to Nellie’s visitation at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church (96 Huron St. Stratford, ON) on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 am. Interment to follow in Avondale Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Autism Ontario or Canadian Breast Cancer Research through the funeral home. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nellie DeBrouwer, please visit our floral store.
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December 12 1931
January 31 2025
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
death notice Nellie DeBrouwer December 12 1931
January 31 2025
obituaries notice Nellie DeBrouwer December 12 1931
January 31 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nellie DeBrouwer December 12 1931
January 31 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
