MARIA HETKE

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MARIA HETKE On Mother's Day, May 13, 2007, Maria Hetke, with her family at her side, died at the age of 87 years. Ria is lovingly remembered by her only child, Margaret Ann Brett, son-in-law Paul Brett and grandchildren, Christopher (Krista Favot), Matthew (Melissa Caswill) and Megan Brett. Ria is also survived by her sisters, Grady Roosenboom, Ank Eggink (Gerrit), Joke Willems (Geer), all of The Netherlands and Christina Ligon of Winnipeg. Also mourning their loss are her nephews and nieces, David (Carolyn) and Don (Barb) Sclanders, Janice MacKenzie (Don), Desiree Schmidt (Kurt) and Anna Marie Day (Rod) and their families. In Holland she is survived by her sisters' children, Evert Jan Eggink, Marian van Asselt, Marga, Maarten and Lody Roosenboom, Anne Mieke Vos, Gerrie and Hans Willems and their families. Ria was born in Sassenheim, the Netherlands on October 10, 1919, the first of five daughters to Martinus and Anna van den Hoek. She met and married Edward A. Hetke, a Canadian soldier in Holland on August 17, 1945. Coming to Canada as a war bride , Ria enjoyed over 40 years of married life with Ed before his death in 1986. For many years, Ria and Ed owned and operated Ed's Barber Shop and West Way Snack Bar in Weston. Ria was a proud Canadian but always remained loyal to her Dutch heritage and enjoyed close friendships with the Dutch girls in Winnipeg. As a wife, mother and grandmother, Ria lived a full and happy life. She delighted in her friends and family and dearly loved to share in their busy lives. Ria was a helper , always willing to give of herself to others. Leading by example, she lived her faith and taught us well. How we all have benefited from Nanny's candles and prayers! Nanny was so looking forward to Matthew and Melissa's wedding on June 9, 2007; to the birth of Chris and Krista's baby in September her first great-grandchild; and to seeing Megan begin to realize her dream of becoming a teacher. The family wishes to thank Dr. D. Haligowski and Dr. B. Penner for their excellent care throughout the years. Thank you also to the home care workers and staff at Amber Meadow, Ria's home for the past six years. Prayers and viewing will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Rev. Father Gerry Ward officiating. Funeral services will take place on Friday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m., also at the Chapel, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault. A family interment will take place on Saturday morning at Brookside Cemetery where Ria and Ed will once again be together. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Ria's memory to Ronald MacDonald House, 566 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, R3A 0G7 or St. Mary's Academy Bursary Fund, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, R3M 0C1. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2007