Death Notices

VAN DEN HURK, Hermine Gertrude (nee Broenen) 1928 - 2014 – surrounded by her loving family at the St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener on Sunday, November 9th, 2014 in her 87th year.  Predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph Van Den Hurk (2013).  Mother and Oma of Anita Rossall (John), children Shannon and Katrina; Monique van den Hurk (Graham Goymour), children Dominic and Evelyn; Madeleine van den Hurk-Paul (Narsiesse), children Phoenix and Laertes.  Daughter of Gerardus Broenen and Wilhelmina Broenen-Rovers.  Sister to Lies Hendricks-Broenen and Diny Kesselaer-Broenen, living in the Netherlands and by numerous siblings and spouses that have predeceased her.  Sister-in-law to Tony and Gerda Van Den Hurk, Betsie v.d. Hurk-v.d Biggelaar and Louis and Maria v.d.Hurk-Relou.  Godmother to Anita Buehner (Steve) of Waterford and Yvonne Schroder of The Netherlands.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family in Canada, U.S.A. and The Netherlands.  Born into a large, close family, Hermine had a happy childhood growing up in the small village of Heijen.  During WWII, her family experienced occupation, fighting and eventual evacuation to the north of the country.  The war finished her formal education and afterwards she cared for her grandmother and was a nanny to Dutch sculptor, Peter Roovers’ children at Kasteel Heijen.  In 1958, after a brief courtship, Hermine married Jeff and immigrated to Canada; a country where she could not speak the language.  The initial years were difficult without her family close by, but they persevered and made a very happy life together, raising three daughters in Stratford and Seebach Hill, eventually retiring to Simcoe, Ontario.  Along with the busy task of raising a family, Hermine volunteered at soup kitchens, meals-on-wheels and church, and was a life time member of the CWL. She was a knowledgeable gardener and enjoyed floral arranging, often coming home with several prizes won in competition.  She made Canada her home and had many Canadian friends, yet always maintained very close friendships with the many other Dutch families that also moved to Canada after the war.  Hermine and Jeff were married 55 years.  Friends are invited to share their memories of Hermine with her family at the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe for visitation on Wednesday, November 12th, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  Parish prayers will be said Wednesday evening at 6:45 p.m.  Hermine’s funeral mass will be held from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, corner of Queen St. & Union St., Simcoe on Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Father Stephen Savel as celebrant.  Interment:  Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Avondale Cemetery, Stratford.  Those wishing to donate in Hermine’s memory are asked to consider the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Simcoe or the Who Did It Club, Simcoe.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199