(Maiden: Wierenga)
of Edmonton
Feb 2, 1915 - Jul 5, 2012
Jennie died peacefully in her sleep in Edmonton on July 5, 2012, in her 98th year. She was born in Uithuizen, The Netherlands, on February 2, 1915, the 7th child of Andries Wierenga and Hinderika Werkman’s family of 13 children. Jennie (Jantje) arrived in Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax with her family on April 6, 1928 as a 13 year old. For 65 years Jennie was the loving wife of John Olthuis who predeceased her on March 18, 2002. She was the loved mother of Bill and Shelley, Elaine and Chris, John and Lois, Jim and Arvilla, Nancy, Marion, and Jean Tuininga Olthuis (predeceased). Dear grandmother to Doug (Anita), Christine (Heather), Michael, Denise (John), Catherine, John Marcel (predeceased), Matthew, David (Joann), Paul (Jennifer), Mark (precedeased ), Ian (Laura), Danielle (Zane) , Taryn, and great grandmother to Janine, Katie, Ari, Alysha, Jordan, Tara, Nelson, Emma, Shane, Stellan, Saskia, John Matthew, Kendra, Kara, Aurora, and Hayden. She will be missed by her lone surviving brother, Henry. Jennie gave her life to being a homemaker for her family. Her angel cake was legendary. For years John and Jennie played at least one game of scrabble every night. She took a devoted interest in a wide circle of relatives and friends. A Memorial Service celebrating Jennie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Charitable donations in Jennie’s name may be made to Bereaved Families of Ontario-Toronto, 80 Woodlawn Ave E. Toronto, M4T 1W6 (bfotoronto.ca). The family extends a heartful thanks to the nieces, nephews and friends who faithfully visited her over the years. The family also thanks the caregivers at Laurier House where she lived for almost five years.