Obituary for Anna "Gerdy" Kloppenburg (Kayser)
Passed away peacefully with her son by her side at the Brant Centre, Burlington on Thursday, April 1st 2021, at the age of 93. Gerdy was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred (2012). She was a devoted mother to Carl (Rose), Rob (Lianne), Shelley (Chris) and Pete (Camille) and a wildly enthusiastic Oma to her loving grandchildren Tom (Erin), Michelle (Derek), Sam, Erik (Kayleen), Alex (Jill), Monika (Nick), Vivienne and Grace, and great-grandchildren Emmett and Lettie. She is survived by sisters Nel (Joop) ter Haar and Jos van Etten, sister-in-law Marietta Camps and brother-in-law Paul Kloppenburg.
Anna Berndina Aleida Kayser was born in Lonneker, the Netherlands, the second of 7 children. While Mom met our Dad in NL, she launched a globe-trotting life by travelling to marry him in Dacca, Bangladesh in 1953 and then together they emigrated to Canada in 1955. They lived with their young family in West Bengal, India from 1965 to 1968 before returning to their home in Welland, Ontario. After Fred’s retirement, Gerdy and Fred vacationed frequently and widely throughout Europe and North America, often with friends and family.
Gerdy was a longtime parishioner of St. Kevin’s Church in Welland, an avid reader (especially of obituaries - we hope this one is up to her exacting standards), a fan of cryptic crosswords and a keen follower of politics. Her life of travelling opened her eyes to the less fortunate and made her a regular supporter of Development and Peace.
Family meant everything to our mother but she was also devoted to a close-knit group of life-long friends, her neighbours on Norway Avenue and her bridge clubs. She loved hosting dinners and always dressed with a European flair.
The sweet little old lady you might have met towards the end of her life hid a fearless adventurer. She survived wartime occupation and Ontario winters alike with resourcefulness and a sense of humour.
As our mother would no doubt suggest, maybe now it’s time for a glass of wine. Cheers, Mom. “Lang zal ze leven in de gloria”.
As a result of current COVID restrictions no service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Seasons, Welland for their years of support and caring. The family would especially like to thank the staff at the Brant Centre, Burlington who infused Mom's last months with so much kindness and dignity.
In lieu of flowers may we suggest donations to The Hope Centre (www.thehopecentre.net) or Development and Peace (www.devp.org). To share a memory or condolence, please visit Smith’s Funeral Home’s website (www.smithsfh.com).
Anna Berndina Aleida Kayser was born in Lonneker, the Netherlands, the second of 7 children. While Mom met our Dad in NL, she launched a globe-trotting life by travelling to marry him in Dacca, Bangladesh in 1953 and then together they emigrated to Canada in 1955. They lived with their young family in West Bengal, India from 1965 to 1968 before returning to their home in Welland, Ontario. After Fred’s retirement, Gerdy and Fred vacationed frequently and widely throughout Europe and North America, often with friends and family.
Gerdy was a longtime parishioner of St. Kevin’s Church in Welland, an avid reader (especially of obituaries - we hope this one is up to her exacting standards), a fan of cryptic crosswords and a keen follower of politics. Her life of travelling opened her eyes to the less fortunate and made her a regular supporter of Development and Peace.
Family meant everything to our mother but she was also devoted to a close-knit group of life-long friends, her neighbours on Norway Avenue and her bridge clubs. She loved hosting dinners and always dressed with a European flair.
The sweet little old lady you might have met towards the end of her life hid a fearless adventurer. She survived wartime occupation and Ontario winters alike with resourcefulness and a sense of humour.
As our mother would no doubt suggest, maybe now it’s time for a glass of wine. Cheers, Mom. “Lang zal ze leven in de gloria”.
As a result of current COVID restrictions no service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Seasons, Welland for their years of support and caring. The family would especially like to thank the staff at the Brant Centre, Burlington who infused Mom's last months with so much kindness and dignity.
In lieu of flowers may we suggest donations to The Hope Centre (www.thehopecentre.net) or Development and Peace (www.devp.org). To share a memory or condolence, please visit Smith’s Funeral Home’s website (www.smithsfh.com).