Hendrika (Hennie) Maas

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our mum and Oma, Hendrika Maas (nee Faas). Hennie was born July 2,1935 in Leiden, the Netherlands. The youngest daughter of 6 children, she grew up during the war and was always a shining spirit, staying close to her mother and two older sisters. After the war, she got engaged to her husband Henk Maas and they were married April 15, 1957. In 1958 Henk, Hennie and their 4 month old daughter, Elisabeth (Elly), left the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada to start a new life, along with Hennie’s sisters and their families. They first settled in Duncan and then later Victoria. During this time Hennie and Henk welcomed their son, Willem (Bill). She devoted her life to her husband and caring for their children and extended family. Hennie was one of the founding members of the Vancouver Island Netherlands Association (VINA) and spent many years devoted to the club, the members and friends of the Dutch Community.

Later in life Hennie devoted her time to caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling with her sisters, swimming, and volunteering at Sendial Thrifty Foods and Aberdeen Hospital. Hennie was an avid card player and loved playing bridge and klaverjas at the Dutch club or at home with friends.

Hennie suffered many losses in her later years, first losing her husband in 1998 and then her son in 2012, then later her sisters and brothers, partners, and many longtime friends from the Dutch club. Hennie found strength in her friends and family. Always strong, feisty, mixed with Dutch directness and stubbornness, Hennie made friends wherever she went. Her sweet and accepting nature made everyone feel welcome.

Hennie is predeceased by her late husband Henk (1998), their son Bill (2012), and her brothers and sisters. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Alicia (Pieter), Keely (Rocky), Eva, and Reed, great grandchildren Myla (Chris), Saskia, Sienne, and Riemer, great−great grandson Ozzy, daughter−in law Amir, and daughter Elisabeth (Henk), as well as many nieces and nephews.

No funeral upon her request. Messages of condolence may made on this page through the “Share a Memory” field.

Thank you to the staff at Glengarry, Chandler Unit for providing Hennie with end of life support.