Werkema, Catharina (née Meyer) (Died)

WERKEMA - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Peacefully at Woodstock General Hospital, on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, Catharina Werkema (nee Meyer) passed to her Heavenly Father’s glory. Beloved wife of Klaas Jan (John) Werkema. Predeceased by an infant daughter, 1953. Loving mother of Frank and Annette Werkema of Embro, Nelly VanderBy of Kelowna, B.C., John W. And Betty-Anne Werkema of Beachville, and Diana and Casper Rekman of Sarnia. Catharina was greatly loved by her 22 grandchildren, Kevin and April Werkema, Michelle and Darryl Knaap, Laura and Phil Wilpstra, Jennifer Werkema, Art and Carli VanderBy, Catrina and Billy Fulton, Nicole Tourigny, Mark and Marlene Werkema, Steven and Karen Werkema, Kristen (fiancee Kyle) Werkema, Kyle (friend Ashley) Werkema, Michael Werkema, Cassie Werkema, Matthew Rekman, Tracy Rekman and Rob Rekman. Also, 9 great grandchildren were a joy and a blessing to Catharina: Alissa and Ethan, Danny and Aaron, Makayla and Joshua, Jared, Matthew, Austin. Born March 31, 1928 in the Netherlands, Catharina married Klaas Jan Werkema on June 14, 1951. Immigrated to Canada in 1954, settling in the Woodstock area. Family and friends will be received at the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, on Friday, March 27, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Bethel United Reformed Church of Woodstock, 862 Alice St., Woodstock, on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Greg Bylsma officiating. A private family interment will be held at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Woodstock General Hospital for their loving and compassionate care shown to Catharina, most notably the staff on fourth floor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Bible Society or the Woodstock General Hospital would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be sent to www.longworthfuneralhome.com