Martha Johanna Wouters
1925 – 2020
Martha Johanna Wouters, nee van Duijnhoven returned to her heavenly home on October 31, 2020 after a valiant battle with long debilitating illnesses. She was 95 years young. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through her struggles and ultimately gave her peace.
Martha was born and raised in the Netherlands in a farming community, enduring the hardships of an occupied country in World War ll. She was trained as a seamstress, a skill set she actively
used for most of her life. She was immersed in the Catholic community that would be her lifelong support from an early age. She married Gerry in 1952 and the two of them promptly left for a new life and opportunity in Canada, boarding a ship, disembarking at the famous Pier 21 in Halifax and then taking the train to southwestern Ontario.
The couple eventually settled into country life in what is now known as Oakville. There, Martha focused on raising a family, instilling in them the virtues of faith and hard work. She was a sought after home care worker in addition to working at Simpson’s Department Store for many years.
Martha’s devotion to her church, faith and community were exemplified in the decades of service she gave to St. Dominic’s parish. She applied her accomplished seamstress skills to the making of garments, altar cloths and church banners for masses and special events. She applied her excellent crafting skills to fundraising efforts. She was a long-time member of the church choir and participated in numerous social events. She frequently answered any call for assistance, visiting the sick and offering a helping hand, quietly, without fanfare and all for love that showed her faith. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 65 years.
Martha felt blessed and proud of her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Gerry, she is survived by her children: Peter (Lorna), Antoinette (Al), Paul, Mary-Anne (Doug) and Anne-Marie (Larry). Martha leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Michael (Shayna), Angela (Jonas), Rick (Angie), Krista, Devi, Kevin, Nicole, Sarah (Matt), Matthew (Carly) and Cassee. Martha also has 8 great grandchildren: Dylan, Dayton, Kiersten, Grace, Landon, Harlow, Madison and Braydon. Martha also leaves behind her beloved sister Mieke as well as many nieces, nephews and their families in the Netherlands and in Canada.
Thanks to the staff at Grace Manor, Holland Christian Homes where Martha lived the last few years of her life. Special thanks to the nurses beginning with MaryChrist, who showed such love and compassion in Martha’s initial move to Grace Manor and to Dora, Panvinder and Sandria who were Martha’s God send in her final hours. Appreciation also goes out to the Doctors, particularly Dr. Jobin Varughese who helped her and the family deal with Martha’s ailments.
Martha will be buried at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery in Oakville in a private family service. The family gratefully declines flowers. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society.
Ron and Val Jackson
Dear Antoinette and Family,
You mother has left quite a legacy and creed to live by. I now see why you are so devoted to your church and family. I know that God will be waiting for her with open arms. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sr. Catherine
Lorna & Peter,
I am sorry for your loss. I just read the obituary of Martha. I am touched by her life’s experiences.
I offer my condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely yours,
Sr. Catherine
Kim Dagg and David Burr
I send my deepest condolences to you and your family Paul. Your mom was an amazing woman
Much love
Henry & Anita Thissen
Our deepest condolences for the whole Wouters family. My goodness how special that Martha passed away on the eve of All Saints Day & on the feast of Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney founder of the K of C. I have so many memories of Martha especially always being welcome in the Wouters home, making pizza after school, endless chips, pop, sleepovers & I can not forget all her wonderful sewing of bridesmaids and wedding dresses! Martha was truly a pillar in St. Dominics and in Oakville. Long time friend of my in-laws in the early days when the families settled in Oakville. Rest In Peace Martha & god bless all the Wouters family. Love & prayers, Henry & Anita Thissen
Nat Gallo
Lina and I are truly saddened by this news; losing a loved family member is one of the most difficult experiences we can experience. May the Lord welcome her into the heavenly kingdom and give you all the strength to cope with the loss of your dear mother. May she rest in peace.
Nat and Lina
Ben Adams
Sorry for your loss. Martha sounds like a lovely woman who instilled a great amount faith and love to her family and those around her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben & Kristy Adams
Ron Broadfoot (Fourth Degree Assembly 2580)
So sorry for your loss, Peter. May she rest in peace.
Nick Last
My Condolence to all the members of the Wouter family.
Your mother was a very special and exceptional lady from what I read in her obituary.
She will be remembered in my prayers.
Mike Evers
Dear Peter and Lorna,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. My own mother passed at the same age, and from that I know that it’s always too soon. Be strong, my friend.
Mike
Alex & Marliyn Nicholson
Our condolences to you and the family Peter during these challenging times. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Take care and be safe.
Alex Nicholson VP EPC, Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies
On behalf of all the CIEPS/EPC team, I wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to the loss of your mother. Be safe my friend.
Piet van Duijnhoven
Beste familie
Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van jullie moeder en mijn tante Marta veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd en wie weet nog eens tot ziens.
Piet van Duijnhoven en Angela Arts
Bev and Bart Evans
Dear Peter & Lorna and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. You’ve spoken of her often and I know how very special she was to you. May memories of better days bring you comfort at this very difficult time.
Drew&Alice Laister
So sorry to hear about your mum Paul. Having gone through this I know how difficult it can be. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember your mum in a good light. Truly a wonderful person.
God Bless
Drew& Alice Laister
Peter and Anne Vanderhyden
Tante Mart….. you were truly one of a kind!
A very dear and kind aunt, always had a smile for us, and so interested in how our lives were going, willing to talk at length about what the kids were up to and willing to laugh at our exploits. We so enjoyed our visits.
Having known your warm heart all of my life does make for a very sad goodbye, but knowing you are in a happy place with Ome Gerry brings a smile to my heart.
Peter, Antionette, Paul, Mary-Anne and Anne-Marie….. our most sincere condolence on your Mama’s passing, you have all been so blessed to have had such a caring and loving mother, i’m sure that you cherish her and will sadly miss her warm touch.
Keep the faith, and remember her with a tear of happiness.
Starr williams
Dearest Paul and family I’m so sorry for your loss of your wonderful. Mom paul you always spoke so lovingly of your mom now I see why she was very special.She raised and wonderful. Son. And I’m sure your brother and sister..you and your family. Are in my prayers..will always love. You. And I’m always here for you
Vince and Kate Power
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Peter, on the loss of your mother, Lorna for your mother-in-law, and Sarah and Matthew for your grandmother. We pray for her peaceful rest in the care of the Lord. God bless you and your entire family.
Vince and Kate Power
Susan Grant
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. A wonderful woman lives now in our memories – remember them often, learn to smile again as you cherish her life and it’s special place in your heart 💕💖💞
Mary Diegel (Claessens) and Miles Little
To all the family,
We are so saddened to hear of Aunt Martha’s passing! She was an amazing lady! I always admired her strength and forthrightness. As my Godmother, she was and will always be an example of faith and caring to me.
I have many cherished memories of Aunt Martha, especially with the connection our two families shared many years ago.
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you during this very difficult time.
With love,
Mary Diegel (Claessens) and Miles Little
Will & Sue Moran
Dear Peter & Lorna, Sarah & Matthew, and all of Martha’s children
There’s no one who can come close to a mother and although you were prepared and knew that she would be soon gone from you, you can rest assured that she knew her work was done… and done well. And how would she know? Oh, she would know. Each time you stopped by to say hello, each time you enjoyed a dinner she prepared, each time you spent alone with her, and with each message and hug she received from her children and grandchildren she would know, and nod in gratefulness and thanksgiving. And now she is free!
Our love and our prayers are with you and all your family.
Will & Sue Moran
Patricia Doherty
Peter & Lorna
Your mother was a remarkable woman and dearly loved by all. She lead a full unselfish life dedicated to others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this difficult time.
David & Patti Doherty
Les Herr
Peter, Lorna and family. I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Les
Margarida Oliveira
Peter and Lorna,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. It’s clear she was an admirable and selfless woman.
We pray that your faith will give you strength during this sad time.
Wayne and Margarida
Marina Lee
Hi Peter,
My sincere condolences to you, Lorna, and the rest of your family on the passing of your mom. It looks she has had a long and wonderful life, with a big family to cherish her. I remember being at your father’s funeral service, such a long time ago.
Thinking of you during this sad time.
Marina and Andrej
Martin Venner
To the Wouters Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Aunt Martha’s passing. She was always very kind, sincere and forthright. I have many fond memories of our parents playing cards and spending time together. Please know that we are thinking of you and send much love to you all. Rest In Peace Aunt Martha, we will miss you ❤️
Love Martin & Rhonda Venner
The Gremmen Family
Peter, Antoinette Paul, Mary-Anne and Anne-Marie , your partners, children and grandchildren; I remember the days when you lived on Balsam Dr. and then moved to Water’s Edge. Your dad Gerry and our dad Gerry and our mom’s would visit each other’s homes often, Joanne and I remember going to the twins birthday parties and have sleepovers both at Balsam and at Water Edge in our grade school days. One of the twins birthday at the end of June when you still lived on Balsam we gave you bunny rabbits as a gift. Your mom was involved with volunteering and helping others her whole life. You mom has gone to see your dad and reunite.
A remarkable woman is gone now, and this world seems a little lessened somehow because she is not a part of it …a little less wise and great, a little less good and brave. May it help to know that she will never be forgotten by those whose lives she touched! And may your own cherished memories bring you comfort.
We would like to share with you this poem by E. Brenneman poem: Her Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of her as gone away-her journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets- this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrow and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched…for nothing loved is ever lost –and she was loved so much!
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are sent to you all today.
The Gremmen Family, Tante Leny, Mary-Ann, Joanne, Mike, Larry, Jack, Leona and Anna Marie
Mary Flemington
We are so very saddened to hear of Aunt Martha’s passing. Mom, (Nellie )has so aptly described Martha as a very good(lifelong) friend, feeling blessed to have friendship last over 65 years! She was a true guiding support during their first years in Canada. To this day Mom recounts many memories of their early lives living together. Their closeness remained over the decades through the raising of families and the passage of time. In more recent years as it became difficult to connect, mom often tells us she is thinking of her.
Aunt Martha had a meaningful place in the lives of all she encountered. She always had an inherent way of valuing all in her presence. I feel so truly fortunate to have known her as my Aunt.
She will be greatly missed.
David and Mary Flemington (Venner)
Joe Venner
We were very sorry to learn about Aunt Martha’s passing and send our sincere condolences. She is very fondly remembered, especially for the times our families spent together. Our prayers and sympathies are with you.
Joe & Belinda Venner
Rozanne Petersen
To Martha’s beloved family,
Your mom was a remarkable person in so many ways. Her generous heart knew no bounds. She had such a loving ,kind way ! She enjoyed life & welcomed everyone! She readily shared her many skills & talents. She so loved to create “ the magic “ of Christmas with her beautiful table settings , decorations & amazing Christmas manger scene! Her beautiful crafts brought joy to many! Martha touched the lives of so many people & I feel so blessed to have known her! May you find comfort & strength in the treasured memories that you all created together! She was so very proud of her devoted family.
Our thoughts & prayers and prayers are with you & your family at this very hard time.
Pete & Rozanne Petersen 💞
Jennifer and Ron Miller and family
Dear Peter, Lorna, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman. The values of faith, family, hard work and fun appear to be strong family traits that have been passed along to you. May faith and the love of family and friends help you during this time.
Marianne & Theo Vandenberk
Our deepest condolences to the Wouters family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Theo and Marianne Vandenberk and family
Mat and Martha Claessens
To all the family,
Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
We have many wonderful memories from the 1950’s and early 1960’s when we became friends with Martha and Gerry after immigrating to Oakville from Holland. We followed the same path, landing on Pier 21 and taking the train to Oakville about 2 years later. We believe we met them through St. Dominic’s Church. Martha and Gerry were so supportive of Dutch immigrants and we were always welcome. They looked after our children often while Mat was working and Martha needed help.
In 1963, we moved to the farm in Dublin and visited when we could. These visits got less as our lives became busy with our families. Even though we didn’t see each other very often in these last years, we did stay in touch as best we could.
We cherish our memories of Martha as well as our lifelong friendship! We remember her with much respect and love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mat and Martha Claessens