GERTRUDA (TRUUS) RIJKERS

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GERTRUDA (TRUUS) RIJKERS Ons Moeke, lieve Oma, zus, Tante, friend and neighbour Truus passed away July 17, 2018 after a difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by daughters, Kristel (David), Adje and Anneke (Charles), beloved grandchildren, Mitchell (Emma), Abigail and Charles, sisters, Maartje, Marietje and Nellie (Jacques), brothers, Harrie (Johanna), Cor (Wilma), Ser (Mia), Huub (Gonny), Jan (Anne Marie), and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Riek and Doortje, and former husbands and friends, Ad van Ineveld and Martin Bertens. Truus was born in 1935 in Nistelrode, Netherlands, the third born in a farming family of 11 children. Her childhood was defined by hard work on the poultry farm and the hardships of the Second World War and the Occupation. Her first career, along with her sisters, was chicken sexing. After marrying Ad van Ineveld they divided their time between Italy and Holland, and enjoyed life with two daughters. Their home in Italy quickly became a favourite vacation destination and saw the beginning of Truus's legendary hospitality. The marriage ended but her old flame, Martin Bertens, found her and enticed her to move to Canada with two young daughters in tow. Truus left her close family and life in Holland behind, and arrived in Winnipeg not knowing how to speak English. In her indomitable way, she cleared those hurdles and built a large and full Canadian life. Anneke was welcomed into the family. Truus worked night shifts for over 20 years at the Manitoba Youth Centre where she was a Corrections Officer / Youth Councillor and admired for her work ethic and firm but compassionate approach. She then flourished in retirement. Single again, Truus fulfilled her lifetime goal of having adventures. She travelled to every continent and many world wonders often with her intrepid photographer friend Mary Lou. She climbed mountains with highlights including the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and Kilimanjaro at age 72. She was the definition of successful aging: she gathered even more friends around her, mastered Spanish, learned to fly a plane, loved Zumba, played bridge avidly and with a very competitive streak, became an accomplished ballroom dancer, volunteered, hosted hundreds of meals and helped her children and grandchildren. The family want to thank her many visitors and those who sent the messages of support and love from around the world that made her last days so special, and in particular the support from Rose Marie, Mary Lou, Herman, Lia and Diane. Flowers are gratefully declined, if friends so desire donations in memory of Truus may be made to Friends of Upper Fort Garry or the Cancer Manitoba Foundation. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 20 at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Avenue. Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd. 204-219-1126 richardrosin.ca
Publish Date: Jul 21, 2018

GERTRUDA (TRUUS) RIJKERS Ons Moeke, lieve Oma, zus, Tante, friend and neighbour Truus passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018 after a difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by daughters, Kristel (David), Adje and Anneke (Charles), beloved grandchildren, Mitchell (Emma), Abigail and Charles, sisters, Maartje, Marietje and Nellie (Jacques), brothers, Harrie (Johanna), Cor (Wilma), Ser (Mia) and Jan (Anne Marie) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Riek and Doortje and former husbands and friends, Ad van Ineveld and Martin Bertens. Truus was born in 1935 in Nistelrode, Netherlands, the third born in a farming family of 11 children. Her childhood was defined by hard work on the poultry farm and the hardships of the Second World War and the Occupation. Her first career, along with her sisters, was chicken sexing. After marrying Ad van Ineveld they divided their time between Italy and Holland, and enjoyed life with two daughters. Their home in Italy quickly became a favourite vacation destination and saw the beginning of Truus' legendary hospitality. The marriage ended but her old flame, Martin Bertens, found her and enticed her to move to Canada with two young daughters in tow. Truus left her close family and life in Holland behind and arrived in Winnipeg not knowing how to speak English. In her indomitable way, she cleared those hurdles and built a large and full Canadian life. Anneke was welcomed into the family. Truus worked night shifts for over 20 years at the Manitoba Youth Centre where she was a Corrections Officer/Youth Councillor and admired for her work ethic and firm but compassionate approach. She then flourished in retirement. Single again, Truus fulfilled her lifetime goal of having adventures. She travelled to every continent and many world wonders often with her intrepid photographer friend Mary Lou. She climbed mountains with highlights including the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and Kilimanjaro at age 72. She was the definition of successful aging: she gathered even more friends around her, mastered Spanish, learned to fly a plane, loved Zumba, played bridge avidly and with a very competitive streak, became an accomplished ballroom dancer, volunteered, hosted hundreds of meals and helped her children and grandchildren. The family want to thank her many visitors and those who sent the messages of support and love from around the world that made her last days so special, and in particular the support from Rose Marie, Mary Lou, Herman, Lia and Diane. Flowers are gratefully declined, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Truus may be made to Friends of Upper Fort Garry or the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 20 at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave. Family eulogy will proceed the service at 10:45 a.m. A reception will follow the service. Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd. 204-219-1126
Publish Date: Jul 19, 2018

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2018, Jul 21, 2018