I have known Oma for the past year but it felt like I have known her longer than that. When I first met her, I was terrified on how to communicate with her and what conversations would interest her. as we go along I noticed that she is a very humble and sweet lady. I have tried several topics to carry on conversations until I read her the war bride book. I can see that I have her full attention as she listens to me closely and even taught me how to speak dutch. Oma likes to reminisce on her old family photos as she is very much delighted to see her memories with her friends and family. It never came across me that I will like a classical music but Oma introduced it to me and learnt to appreciate it as well as Andre Rieu. Me and my family will surely miss her. We are very grateful to be part of their life even just for a short while. She gives me such joy with her warm smile. It is so easy to make her laugh and when she does, it melts my heart and makes my day. I will miss her singing!! It’s a long way to tipperary is indeed an Oma song!! Those special memories will always bring a smile. Until we see you again, Oma! Then we can husk corns and sing again!! We love her dearly.

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our aunt, Tante Tres. She was a genuinely lovely person, very kind , very sweet . I know she loved children. She only met our oldest Maureen, but I'll never forget how good she was with her. I remember too when my mother ( Toos Smits) would get on the phone with Tante Tres and they would be laughing and carrying on for hours. The sisters were very close.

I often imagine what it must have been like for Tante Tres to leave her family in Holland behind to head to Canada. She was very brave and very successful too raising a family so well.

I will never forget the last of my aunts and uncles.

Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers,

Frances, Phil, Maureen, Christine, Nicholas Handrahan

We will always remember tante (aunt) Trees as a very sweet aunt. She never forgot to sent a birthday card. Even for my children she sent them in their childhood a birthday card accompanied by stickers because she knew they loved it. She was my father’s favorite sister. They were both very emotional when they had to say goodbye to each other.

We wish you all strength in these sad days.

I found some old pictures of the Rissenbeek family.

Love Birgit Rissenbeek, Nijmegen, Holland.