Obituary of Wietske 'Wendy' Wymenga

WYMENGA: Wietske ‘Wendy’ (nee Herder) - A resident of Chatham, and formerly of Blenheim, Wendy Wymenga passed away peacefully with her family at her side at Copper Terrace Nursing Home in Chatham on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the age of 90. Born in Opeinde, Friesland, The Netherlands, Wendy was the daughter of the late Wiebren and Sjoukje (Elzinga) Herder. Wendy married Jacob (Jake) Wymenga in Opeinde, Friesland on May 20, 1948. A month later, they immigrated to Canada to the Ridgetown area. During the next 12 years Wendy and Jake lived in various homes working for area farmers. It was during this time that she had her first 3 children: Sylvia, Jerry and Bill. Then in 1960, Wendy and Jake moved to their first farm and stayed there until they retired to Blenheim in 1995. Mom’s last 2 children, Rick and Margaret were born during the first years at the farm. Wendy worked hard keeping her family well-fed and keeping the household in order. During the busy season, she could be seen planting tobacco and tomatoes and picking tomatoes. She also enjoyed selling her farm fresh eggs to her customers, some who learned that she doesn’t sell eggs on Sunday. Wendy was a founding member of the Blenheim Christian Reformed Church, where she was a faithful member and active in church activities. A little more than a year after Jake died in 2004, Wendy moved to the Christian Senior Citizen’s Home on Elm St. in Chatham. It was at this time that she became a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham. Wendy was the loving mother of Sylvia Wymenga of London , Jerry (Carol) Wymenga of Blenheim, Bill (Marlene) Wymenga of Blenheim, Rick “Gus” (Yeny) Wymenga of Blenheim and Margaret Wymenga of Brampton. Wendy was loved by her 11 grandchildren who will always remember her generosity, especially the soup and baked goods. She has also been blessed with 1 great-granddaughter and 10 great-grandsons. She is predeceased by her two sisters Grietje and Syke and her brother Oebele. In the last months, Wendy grew frustrated with her increasingly deteriorating condition and in the last few weeks we knew the end was near. On Wednesday afternoon, July 17, the Lord took her home. Free from the ravages of the body, Wendy is now in Heaven, where one day we will see her again. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Blenheim Christian Reformed Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 with Rev. Jack Kerkhof officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations made in memory of Wendy to World Renew or Outreach for Hunger would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com, McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario, 519-676-3451.