Obituary of Mary Sterkenburg

Mary Sterkenburg (DeWys) passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.Mary was born in Hilvarnbeek, Netherlands on May 3rd, 1940. Daughter of the late George and Joanna DeWys. She immigrated to Canada in 1953 along with her parents and siblings.Mary graduated from nursing school in 1961. She worked for the Walsh family at the Wildwood Care Centre for many years until her retirement. She was a volunteer at the Stratford General Hospital and a lifelong member of the Holy Name of Mary CWL. She took pride in her gardens and nothing made her happier than the many visits from her grandchildren.Mary is survived by her loving husband, Henry, of 57 years, her children, Sherri (Wayne) Barber, Terry, Bernie (Lina Sunseri) and Wayne (Tasmin).Oma to Brent (Elizabeth), Sharlena, Kevin (Jessica Carlberg), Chris (Becky Howgego), Nicole (Jesse McKay), Jeff (Mallory Mueller), John, Jack, Jillian and Erin.Great Oma to Owen and Harvey Sterkenburg, Joanna Wolfe, Leah and Mya Grose.Mary is also survived by her 6 brothers, John (Rita), Harry (Corry), Joe (Audrey), George (Sandra), John (Sharon), Pete and Dianne Dewys and brother in law Ben (Iris) Sterkenburg and many relatives in Holland and New Zealand as well as many nieces and nephews here in Canada.Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother in law, Annie and Duke Eenkooren.Relatives and friends are invited to Holy Name of Mary Parish (149 King Street North, corner of Widder and King St.) St. Marys, Ontario on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Parish prayers at 1:45 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11 am. Interment at St. Marys Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Hospice of Stratford or a charity of ones choice through the funeral home.