ANNA SPRUYT

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ANNA SPRUYT May 7, 1929 - April 9, 2012 Anna was born and spent the first part of her life in Zaandam, The Netherlands. She survived difficult times during the Second World War, and then did secretarial work for a number of years before following her dream to a new life in Canada in 1958. She worked in Toronto for a few years before meeting Hendrik Spruyt, a fellow immigrant from Holland. They married October 5, 1963, and she moved to his farm in Devlin, Ontario, where they raised four children. Though they eventually separated, they remained strongly loyal to each other. Mom moved to Welland, Ontario in 1985, and lived there until she was drawn to Winnipeg, Manitoba by the news that her first grandchild was on the way. Last year, knowing that she likely wouldn't have too many more years, she decided to move back to Welland, where the spring tends to come earlier than in Winnipeg. Mom had a strong sense of justice and there have been many people in need that have benefited from her help. She often had very little to draw from, but what she had, she would share. For years, she supported a number of foster children in developing countries, faithfully writing to each one. Mom had a brilliant mind, and loved to learn and to read. She had yearned to go to university since she was a child, and when she finally got the chance in her late 40s, she went at it with everything she had, earning a B.A. and a B.Ed. in two and a half years. All this was accomplished while working part time as a secretary, part time on the farm, and taking care of her family. Although there were years when mom struggled with her faith, she eventually came to the place of knowing deeply that in Him we live and move and have our being . Anna is survived by her children Elizabeth Helliar (John), Peter Spruyt, Andrew Spruyt, and Roger Spruyt, her daughter-in-law Tracey Spruyt, her grandchildren, Amanda, Nicole and Julie Helliar, and Cody, Joe, Jack, Evan and Ryan Spruyt, and her sister Greet Meij. She was predeceased by her parents Albert Meij and Elisabeth Meij-van der Brugge, her husband Hendrik, and her brothers Dick, Pieter and Willem Meij. The family is grateful to Tracey for being a friend to mom, to the staff of Welland Hospital ECU for the care and kindness they showed to her in her last months, and to the many friends who have been so thoughtful. If desired, donations in Anna's memory may be made to World Vision or Plan Canada in support of children affected by HIV, or to the Welland Hospital ECU (65 Third St., Welland, ON, L3B 4W6). According to mom's wishes, a family service will be held April 21, with interment of her ashes beside Hendrik in the Box Alder Cemetery in Devlin.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2012