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Riek Hendrika Antonia Lamberta Versteeg (van Miltenburg)

Riek Hendrika Antonia Lamberta Versteeg (van Miltenburg)

December 24, 1920-February 14, 2013
Born in Jutphaas, Utrecht, the Netherlands, she was the daughter of Wilhelmus and Hendrika Antonia (Uyttewaal) van Miltenburg. She grew up within a large farm family, and worked from an early age to master the diverse abilities expected of a farmer's wife. While becoming skilled in the arts of cooking, baking, needle crafts, gardening, dairying and cheese making, she also developed her life-long devotion to family life, her church and the community.
Hindered by years of slow post-war recovery in Holland, she and Gert Versteeg married in 1952 and immediately emigrated to Canada through Pier 21. In 1960 they purchased a farm in Hardwood Lands, where they were welcomed by the community, built a successful dairy farm, and raised their five children.
She was a determined, able, loving and cheerful woman: as a mother, a homemaker, a farmer, and a member of the community. She was an active and long-time member of St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Parish; the Women's Institute of Nova Scotia, and a ten year 4-H Leader.
In the early years on the farm she supported her husband by caring for the livestock, as nurse to young animals, milker, gardener and bookkeeper; she remained a business partner for many years.
At home, she set a high standard for cooking, baking and many forms of the fabric arts. She enjoyed her garden, bowling, card games with her family and friends, and a small drink. She lavished her greatest gifts on her family; her expectations were exceeded only by her concern, her generous support, and her unqualified love. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous joy.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family; predeceased by her husband, Gerardus Johannnes (Gert/Gerald) in 1984; eldest son, John in 1987; and her siblings, Henk, Toos, Kees, Jans, Arie, Anton, Harry, Wim, Gert, Annie and Bep.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Carol (Palmeter) Versteeg; daughter, Rita (Dean) Cole; and sons, Willy (Sherma Hawes) Versteeg, Edward Versteeg and Patrick (Judy Holman) Versteeg; grandchildren: Andrea (Scott) Barrett, Tony (Erica MacInnis) Versteeg, Chris (Jennifer Mazzerole) Versteeg; Sandy Cole, Joan Cole, Allyson Cole; Vanessa (Patrick) Sweet, Victoria Versteeg, Meredith Versteeg; and Benjamin Versteeg; great-grandchildren: Ryan, Alexander and Cassidy Barrett; Gerrit, Maria and James Versteeg; Sarah Hendrika, Anneka and Jocelyn Versteeg; brother-in-law, Willem Versteeg; goddaughters, Mariet and Joanne; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, February 17, at Ettinger's Funeral Home, 2812 Main Street, Shubenacadie, N.S. Funeral Mass: 1 p.m. Monday, February 18, St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church, 112 Mill Village Road, Shubenacadie, with reception to follow.
Family and friends may send condolences to the family at: ettingerfuneralhome.com. Memorial gifts may be directed to: Adsum for Women & Children, 2421 Brunswick Street, Halifax, N.S., B2K 2T1 or St. Bridget's Parish Roof Fund P.O. Box 209 Shubenacadie, N.S., B0N 2H0.
Her family is grateful to the many friends, clergy and healthcare professionals who provided Mum with companionship and care for body and spirit in recent years, in particular her friends at Vimy Court, Bible Hill, who embraced her as part of their own family.


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