BOONSTOPPEL, YTJE - 71, Fredericton. Ytje Boonstoppel (Agema) passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband Klaas on Friday, December 16th, 2011. Ytje's courage, faith, and strength were a blessing to many. Ytje is survived by her husband Klaas Boonstoppel; Sons, Gerry (Tammi); Richard (Carol); Marco (Diane); grandchildren; Mia, Anita, Jessica, Rachel, Brooke, Christina, Lucas, Isaac, Lauren, Natalie, David; brothers, Gosse (Jellie) Agema, Reinder (Zwannie) Agema; sisters, Gilly (Rense) Boelens, Rennie (Wim) Harms; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Sjacco (Janny) Agema. Ytje was born on July 10th, 1940 in Holland. She met Klaas at a Youth Retreat and they got married 2 ½ years later in 1963. Klaas and Ytje started farming together in Overleek where they lived with their three boys until they immigrated to Canada in 1979. The family settled on a dairy farm in Dumfries, where Ytje worked side by side with her husband haying, milking, and building their business. Ytje was involved with the Women's Institute, bible studies, and enjoyed spending time with her friends and neighbours. Ytje's strong faith was evident to all who knew her; she showed it by her care for others. She was actively involved in Fredericton Christian Reformed Church teaching Sunday school, leading bible studies, serving on many committees, and encouraging others with a card or a kind word. Her grandchildren were her joy in life. She loved to be with each of them teaching and sharing with them her many talents like gardening (especially flowers), baking, knitting, needlepoint, sewing, and crocheting. In 1997 her and her husband retired from farming and moved to Carlisle Road. Ytje continued to show her love and care for others by volunteering for Neighbourhood Link up until she was not able to anymore. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful support of Dr. Brian McKinnon, the nurses from NB Extra-Mural, and each one of you involved in supporting Ytje during her illness: thank you.
Visitation will take place at the Christian Reformed Church on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm. A Funeral service will take place from the church on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 1pm with Rev. Harold Winter officiating. Interment will take place in the Douglas Rural Cemetery. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Christian Reformed World Missions or to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com