HERMINA (MINA) BAAS (ZONNENBERG) "

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HERMINA (MINA) BAAS (nee ZONNENBERG) " ...and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." On October 3, 2011, and in the fullness of time, death came gently, mercifully, and peacefully to carry Mina Baas from this earthly life to life everlasting in the house of the Lord. Mina was predeceased, by her beloved husband, Klaas, in 1987, and over the years by her siblings - four brothers Tiemen, Jan, Gerrit, and Albert of the Netherlands, and sister Leyda, of New Zealand. Mina was also predeceased by niece Rienie Rathbone of New Zealand. Left to mourn and cherish Mina's memory are, her son, Jan (Julie) Baas, her daughter, Ina (Jim) Baas-Penner; grandchildren, Chris Penner, Neil (Tara) Penner, Chad (Yana) Baas, Rob Baas, Melinda (Jeff) Oatman; great-grandchildren Nikolaus, Joseph, Xenia and John Penner, Harley Baas, and Hadley Oatman. Surviving Mina as well are sisters-in-law Nel Zonnenberg, Tiny Brederoo, and Miep Baas all of the Netherlands, and nieces and nephews both here and overseas. Mina was born on August 6, 1920 in Zwolle, the Netherlands; she was the second oldest of six children born to Jentje (nee Van Dijk) and Albert Zonnenberg. Mina grew up to be an accomplished crafts-woman; she started knitting at the age of six years and was still knitting at the age of 91. Mina met her future husband, Klaas, while working in Amsterdam. They survived the war years and married on November 15, 1945. Jan and Ina were born in the years to follow, and in March 1954 the family of four immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. Mina devoted herself to her family; she, and Klaas, created a happy, stable and loving home for Jan and Ina - a home where friends and neighbours were always welcome. Mina was a generous person, always ready to lend a hand where she could. Whether it was to help an elderly neighbour or to assist with a new baby down the street, Mina was there. Mina was an accomplished seamstress; in addition to sewing for her own family Mina sewed for folks in the neighbourhood, and worked at the House of Florence (a women's dress shop) for a time. In later years, when Jan and Ina had each married and moved away from home, Mina continued to serve the community by volunteering at the Victoria General Hospital. In their retirement years Mina and Klaas moved to Brandon to be closer to Ina and her family. There they made many friends. Mina and Klaas enjoyed travelling in those years; there were trips across Canada, trips to Colorado to visit Jan and his family, trips overseas to visit family in Holland and in New Zealand. In 2003, Mina moved back to Winnipeg along with Jim and Ina, settled into Villa Cabrini where again she made many friends. Mina cherished many happy moments with her grandchildren, and felt absolutely blessed to have lived long enough, not only to see them all grow up, but to have lived long enough to see and know her great-grandchildren - they have been the true delight and joy of her old age. Mina - mother and mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, tante, friend and neighbour - you are always loved - always in our hearts. The family expresses sincere gratitude to the entire care team on 5 South at Victoria General Hospital. Thank you for the care and compassion you provided Mom and her family while she was in hospital. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Avenue. Viewing prior to service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hwy #1 E, inside the Perimeter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church Endowment Fund, 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L9 or to Lung Association Manitoba, 629 McDermot Ave. Arrangements entrusted to Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, RM of Springfield, Manitoba. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield -(204) 222-3241 Hwy. #1 E. inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Condolences may be sent to: www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2011