Richarda WILLEMS Obituary

Dear Helen and all your family,
My condolences with the passing of your mother, mother-in-law and Oma. With Riet's passing there is also a significant diminishing of the Dutch community here in New Zealand.
I remember her from my days at school as a strong woman and together with your father, people who significantly contributed to their parish
community. They worked hard and used their talents generously.
In the straightforward Dutch way I say "gecondoleerd."
Aroha Annelies

Passed away peacefully on January 20, on her 97th birthday, after a very special day with family and surrounded by love. Mum and mother -in-law of Julie and Keith. Oma to Jess and Soph and Grote-Oma to Harper and wee Archie. Thanks for sharing the great Dutch meals, traditions and culture. We will keep them alive.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.

A big thank you from the Willems family to the staff at The Oaks Rest Home for your wonderful care of our dear Mum/Oma/Grote-Oma.

Mum, to me you have always been an enigma. Building walls and finding it difficult to let people in. But you were courageous, strong, resilient and independent. I'm eternally grateful that you have passed those traits on to us and the next generation, especially as we need them now. May your eternal resting place be everything you hoped it would be, where you are reunited with your husband Will and other passed family members. I will miss you. Love, your daughter Helen.