Obituary of Beatrice Maartense

Maartense, Beatrice: Born in Heerlen, Holland on September 13, 1938.  Mom passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2018, at the age of 79.  Her heart was weak but her faith was strong.   Beloved wife of Carl for 60 years.  Dear mother of Debbie and John Vanoostveen, Rita and Bernie Langendoen, Bill and Patti Maartense and Carolyn and Mike Schilstra.  Oma will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mike and Leanne Vanoostveen (Asher, Nico), Sean and Kristina Vanoostveen (Sloan, Beatrice, Daisy and Jasper), Scott and Deb Vanoostveen (Zipporah), Darryl and Leah Langendoen, (June, Scarlett, Jonah), Sarah and Grant Loney (Kate, Briar) Brad and Tracey-Lynn Langendoen (Hailey, Hope, Miller, Russel) Dan and Rachel Langendoen (Kristopher, Jordan, Kerra) Robert and Brittany Langendoen and Ryan Langendoen, Doug Maartense, Bill and Kelsey Maartense, Joe and Kasey Maartense and Christopher Maartense, Megan, Erin, Leah and Paige Schilstra.  Sister to Margaret Damsma, Bob Siegers and Irene Dieleman of Winnipeg, MB.  Sister in Law to Nellie and Kees Geschiere, Lavina Maartense, John Maartense and Diane and Casey Lagerwerf.

Bea and Carl were married on May 8, 1959 and began their life together in Winnipeg.  As a young woman she worked as a teller at the local bank and although she enjoyed it, her desire was always to be a mother and homemaker.  Various work opportunities for dad in sales and especially real estate brought them into many cities where mom was always able to create a warm home for her family no matter the circumstance.  She was a talented seamstress, often proudly wearing her own creations. Soon she was sewing up maternity wear and then matching outfits for the entire family.  Mom loved art and especially working with pastels, needlepoint, cross stitch and always knitting and crocheting for others. Bea loved to sing soprano in various choirs. She also volunteered at church and at the Christian School using her gifts in the service of others. Mom and dad were blessed to make frequent trips to Holland and to Winnipeg to visit family and friends.  They made a place in their home for Mom’s widowed mother, Oma Siegers, who became a dearly beloved part of our family. In early summer of 1976, opportunity knocked and we all moved to St. Catharines where dad built mom’s dream home.  For the past several years, they have enjoyed living at Martindale Place.  Over the years, Mom and Dad were blessed with 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. They always felt very blessed to have all their children nearby . Our mom was a woman of quiet faith, a gentle spirit, upheld by God’s gracious love and care. She will be missed so much.

Proverbs 31:10, 28-30 A wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies…her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things but you surpass them all, charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Visitation will be at Covenant Church (278 Parnell Road, St. Catharines) on Monday, July 30, 2018 from 6pm to 8pm.  The Memorial Service will be at Covenant Church on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:00am with a time for Fellowship afterwards.  In lieu of flowers donations please make a personal donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.