Hendrikje (Henny) Buitenhuis

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

God called home our much loved Mother, Oma and Great Oma, Hendrikje (Henny) Buitenhuis at age 98, on Thursday May 26, 2022 at Hogarth Riverview Manor, surrounded by her family.

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 26, 1923, she grew up on a canal freighter with her sister Christine, brother Roelof and parents Jan and Catharina Otten. During the war years she met our father Jan Buitenhuis, and they married in 1948. In May of 1949 they immigrated to Canada with their infant son Bert, sailing ten days over the Atlantic Ocean arriving in Quebec City. They were sponsored by a dairy farmer in the Owen Sound area, spending two years there before settling in the Fort William area. In 1953 they bought a dairy farm in Hymers where they farmed and raised their family of six. In 1982 they retired from farming and moved to Rosslyn, then Hwy 130, finally settling in their home on Mountain Road where they spent twenty- one wonderful years. Mom loved to sing and play the harmonica, and spent many years singing in the choir at First C.R.C. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad enjoyed going home to her beloved Holland, and were able to on numerous occasions. Mom was a faithful member of the United Reformed Church and loved going to church. Mom will be remembered by her beautiful smile, her friendliness and her ability to chat to anyone.

Henny is survived by her children Bert (Lydia), John (Debbie), Jenny Tuuttila, son in law Gary (Sue) Prezio, Henrietta (Ed) Breukelman, Anita (Ross) Smith, grandchildren Bryon, Deanna, Heather (Russel) Jason (Ashley), Rachel (Luke), Ryan, Angela (Mike), Lisa (Greg), Kris (Nita), Katrina (Troy), Mark (Lindsay), Troy (Jamie), Kaitlin (Matt), Cole, Rory, Aaron (Jami), Brandon (Jessica), Devin (Lindsay), Brett (Christina), Farren (Brandon), and 29 great grandchildren. Also survived by sister in laws Meta Buitenhuis, Jenny Brink and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland. Predeceased by her husband Jan, daughter Irene Prezio, son in law Eero Tuuttila, and her parents, sister and brother.

We wish to thank all the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for their care and compassion with Henny over the twelve years she resided there. Visitation will be held at the United Reformed Church, 23 Hwy 130, Oliver Paipoonge on Tuesday May 31st from 7-8:30 PM. Interment will be on Wednesday June 1st. Leaving the URC at 10:50 am for Stanley Hill Cemetery with a memorial service following at 12 noon at the URC with Rev. John Ysinga officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Christian School or a charity of your choice would be much appreciated.