Obituary of Nelly Westerhoff

WESTERHOFF, Nelly (Petronella Wilhemina)

August 10^th, 1941--May 12^th, 2022

Nelly Westerhoff, age 80, of Beamsville, ON went peacefully to her heavenly home the evening of Thursday, May 12^th.

Nelly will be dearly missed by Ceus Westerhoff, her loving husband of fifty-seven years; as well as by her dear children, Melinda Regnerus (Andrew Regnerus); Kendrick Westerhoff (Elizabeth Westerhoff); Jennifer Maillet (Greg Maillet); Trevor (Jennifer Antolin); and grandchildren Cassandra McCombie (Pete), A.J. Regnerus (Coriander);  Alannah, Sarah and Nataschia Westerhoff; Jenelle, Samuel and Madeleine Maillet; Charlotte and Audrey Westerhoff; great-grandchildren Violet and Russell McCombie; sisters Wilhemina Tervrught (Richard); Coby Jonker (Roland), pre-deceased; Ann Evans (Ken); in-laws Reinder Westerhoff, pre-deceased; Irene Jonker (Leo); Catherina Dryfhout (David); and Margaret Kingma (Peter); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, both old and new.

Born August 10^th, 1941 to Marinus and Jacoba Staring in Sassenheim, Netherlands, Nelly immigrated to Canada in 1952.  Hard years after the war were made lighter by simple joys, family and early friendships that lasted. Nelly and Ceus were married June 5^th, 1964, and together they carved out a beautiful life dedicated to family, church and family businesses.  A wonderful Mom, Nelly raised her children while contributing to the hard work of the dairy farm, orchard, and Cedarway Floral. She managed to take piano lessons with four young children underfoot, while also determinedly taking course by course toward her B.A. in English Literature from Brock University, graduating in 1994 with distinction.

A committed member of the Christian Reformed Church, Nelly taught Sunday School and catechism, played piano for church services, and served as a Deacon and Elder, very much enjoying the home visits.  She regularly attended a supportive Life Group, and made friends with newcomers to Canada while supporting old friends through both their joys and losses.  Together Nelly and Ceus financially supported Christian Education, and their children attended local Christian schools.  Nelly also served on the Board of Governors for Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, and she greatly enjoyed her work with Christian Courier, a local Christian newspaper publication.  As a capstone to all of her service, Nelly and Ceus took on major service projects with World Renew Disaster Relief Services, travelling internationally to help those in need and building wonderful friendships with members of the team they served with. Nelly truly lived out her faith in service to God, the One from whom all blessings flow.  

Nelly always celebrated the “Good Stuff” in life.  Her never-ending passion for her garden was motivated by wonder and potential as she shifted rocks and planted seeds. Her vision was realized with hard work as she and Ceus tended to their land, and their labour of love created a space for visits, walks and parties. She loved music played by skilled musician friends; she championed and celebrated their skill and craft.  She loved her own piano, “thumping” the keys when life was hard, and dancing through the chords of hymns, folk songs, and even Johnny Cash when life was good.  She loved it when Ceus, children and grandchildren gathered and sang Christmas hymns while she played.  Nelly also loved food and wine, landscapes and languages—she marveled at their origin and their beauty.  Always fascinated by people and their stories, especially her family, Nelly showed tremendous interest in people’s lives and their adventures.  Her enduring love for her husband Ceus, her children, and the next generation of their children will be treasured more than words can say.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers of Hospice Niagara for their compassionate care for Nelly (Mom) during her last days with us.  You are special people. 

Visitation hours are scheduled for Monday, May 16^th from 5:00-8:00 PM at Jubilee Christian Reformed Church, 13 Wilholme St. St. Catharines, ON.  A Celebration of Nelly’s Life will take place Tuesday, May 17^th, at 11:30 am, also at Jubilee Christian Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to World Renew

Nelly's family would like to invite you to view a slide show of photos of Nelly.  Please click this link to view it - Slideshow - Nelly Westerhoff

The family would like to give credit to Marguerite Witvoet for the music. The title of the song being played is called Journey's End.