It saddens our hearts to announce that our dear Sister and Aunt Jane (Jantje) Riedstra went to her well-deserved rest on Saturday July 10, 2021 at the age of 77.
Daughter of the late Andrew (Anne) and Fenny (Feikje) Riedstra, She is the dearest sister of the late Eva and Henk Hofstede, the late Teena (Homer) VanderVecht, the late Tom and Anne Riedstra (Christine), Diane (Harry) Roffel, Gary (Chila) Riedstra, Jackie (Jenne) Looper, Annette (Ken) Jordan and Francine (Les) Badder. Jane may not have had any children of her own but was like a second mother to so many, especially her dozens of nieces and nephews. She will be remembered by her friends and extended family here in Canada and the Netherlands.
Jane was born in Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands in 1943, and emigrated to Canada with her parents and family in 1952. She qualified as a Certified Nurse’s Aid at the Cedar Springs Ontario Hospital School in 1966, after which she worked at CPRI in London. She then graduated from Reformed Bible College (Michigan) with a Bachelor of Religious Education in 1981, spending some time ministering as a missionary in Mexico and United States. She finished her working career at the YMCA daycare in Chatham.
Always the caring and warm person, Jane became a foster parent to many children. She always remembered the family birthdays and special events, and was always there to call on when help was needed. Jane was a long-time member of First Christian Reformed Church and was heavily involved in the youth program.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Riverview Gardens for your caring and exceptional care of our sister. Your kindness will always be remembered.
A bright and shining star has dimmed. Rest now, dear sister; your light shines on in our memories.
Family and friends are invited for visitation at the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 from 5-8pm. Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church 25 Tweedsmuir Avenue East in Chatham on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11am, inurnment will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, reservations are required for visitation and may be made by clicking here > https://signup.com/go/EZuTZXZ < or by calling the funeral home. 519.627.3231. Masks and social distancing are mandatory. If you desire, donations in Jane’s memory to the Resonate Global Mission may be left at the funeral home. Memories and stories of Jane can be shared with her family on her tribute page at www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca.
