Van Ankum, Janneke (Age 75, Formerly Listowel)
Published on 17/10/2019
Janneke VAN ANKUM (Hekman), formerly of Listowel, on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, in her 76th year. Beloved wife of the late Hilbert Van Ankum. Much loved mother of Tasha Van Ankum and Rob Hiemstra of Kitchener, Matthew Van Ankum and Danielle Van Sant of Gorrie, and Jonathan Van Ankum of Wroxeter. Cherished Oma of Jenna, Caleb, Ella, London, and Riggins. Sister of Klaas and Aly Hekman, Henk and Rita Hekman, and Willem Hekman, all of the Netherlands. Sister-in-law of John and Sonja Van Ankum of Rimbey, Alberta, George and Alice Van Ankum and Arnold and Jayne Van Ankum, all of Drayton, Jake and Marlene Van Ankum of Fergus, and Mildred Jean Van Ankum of Arthur. Predeceased by her sister Geeske Brinkman and her husband Hein, sisters-in-law Jean Van Ankum and Alie Hekman and brother-in-law Allan Van Ankum.
Janneke was born in Den Hulst, The Netherlands, and completed her nursing training in Arnhem in January of 1967. After a long-distance engagement, Janneke immigrated to Canada in the spring of that year and married Hilbert Van Ankum in February 1968. They spent most of their married life on the farm near Wroxeter. During that time they raised a family and for close to thirty years Janneke worked as a registered nurse at Listowel Memorial Hospital. While not working, she enjoyed knitting, lovingly tended her flower beds and fed the birds. Janneke was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church and loved serving as a leader for Friendship Club.
Janneke lived with Alzheimers for many years and during that time she was shown love and support by various people and organizations. We extend our thanks to the Alzheimer Society of Perth County and the VON Day Program, to the congregations of Bethel CRC in Listowel and Community CRC in Kitchener, to our dear friend Shelley Clarke, and to the wonderful and compassionate staff of Sunnyside Home, both on Buttonworks and Castle Kilbride. As a family, we are most grateful that mom is rejoicing with her Saviour in heaven.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Friday from 2 until 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Committal and interment will be held at Molesworth Cemetery on Saturday, October 19th at 9:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Listowel, at 11 AM. Reverend Ralph Wigboldus officiating.
Memorial donations to Sunnyside Foundation, or to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
