WILHELMINA ADRIANA PETRONELLA WARDEKKER

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WILHELMINA ADRIANA PETRONELLA WARDEKKER (nee DERKSEN) Wilhelmina Adriana Petronella Wardekker (nee Derksen) passed away suddenly at Seven Oaks Hospital, Winnipeg on June 29, 2017, at the age of 90. Wilhelmina (Willy) was predeceased by her husband Isaak, infant son Izaac, parents, Wilhelmus and Tonia Derksen, sister Antonia van Hoorn and grandson Cory Connell. She is survived by her children, Isaak W. (Susan), Bill (Kathy), Raymond (Joanne) and Elizabeth (Enzo); her grandchildren, Amanda, Megan (Jay), Robert, Brad (Jackie), Tim (Hilary), Tina, Deanna and Bennet; her great-grandchildren, Harlow, Paxton, Tyler, Acadia, Nickolas, Xander, Aria and Sawyer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands on July 7, 1926 to Wilhelmus and Tonia (Coenen) Derksen. She started ballroom dancing at 16 where she met the love of her life. They were wed on January 4, 1947 and their adventure began. Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada in 1953 and resided for a short time in St. Boniface. They moved to East Kildonan where they shared the rest of their 61 years of marriage with their family. Mom joined Wesley United Church when it was still the old wooden building where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was such a positive role model for all her students who adored her. Our mom was a very talented artist. She was a member of the Forum Art Club for many years and shared her talent by teaching painting. Mom was also actively involved with her church and volunteered in the community. Mom loved her family. She became involved in all her children's life events. When Betty Ann joined the Explorers group, Mom became a leader. When all three of the boys joined Air Cadets she joined the Ladies Auxiliary so she could be close to the action. Mom was like a mother goose, always sheltering her kids from life's storms. Then came the grandkids who she absolutely adored. Always taking an interest in what they were doing and watching as they grew. Great-grandkids came on the scene and she focused on their activities. She always wanted to know how they were doing and to always say "give a kiss and a hug" from Grand Mom. Willy loved life - animals, travelling, singing, ballroom dancing along with socializing with family and friends. Doing crossword puzzles, reading, playing board games and knitting were some of her passions. Mom and Dad travelled yearly to the Netherlands/England to visit with their families. Becoming more adventurous they explored places like Aruba, Cuba, Mexico, Cruising, and Hawaii which Mom loved. They took many road trips through Canada and the USA. As they got older they stayed close to home. Dad passed away in 2008. Before he passed, he had made arrangements to move into Concordia Village. Mom was the highlight and spark for phase two. A service will be held for Willy on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Immanuel United Church on Kimberley and Golspie in Winnipeg at 1:30 p.m. Private interment will be taking place. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations in Willy's name can be made to any animal shelter or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2017