Johanna "Annie" Adriana Bertens

ANNIE BERTENS It is with sadness that we share that Annie Bertens (deKort) passed away on November 15, 2020 at Stratford General Hospital. She was in her 95th year. Annie has now joined Gerry, the love of her life, in their heavenly home. Annie will be deeply missed by her children Ade Bertens, Hank and Nancy Bertens, Marlene and Jim Maguire, Nancy and Vince Hulshof, Larry and Janice Bertens and Trish and Dale McComb. She was loving Oma of Marissa (Tom), Braden (Emily), Kim (Jamie), Dan (Brittany), Erin, Breanne, Elise, Craig (Krista), Tricia, Brent (Marie), Devin, Julia (Joe), Mark, Rachel, Greg and Jared; and special Groot-Oma to Nora, Iris, Arlo, Aria, Theo and Iris. Annie was predeceased by her loving husband Gerry (2020) and treasured daughter-in-law Marg (2018). Beloved sister of Lucy and John VanHaaren (Canada); Rien and Ria deKort, Zus and Leo VanKasteren, Piet deKort, and sister-in-law Annie deKort (The Netherlands); and treasured Aunt to many special nieces and nephews. Predeceased by siblings and in-laws Rieka and Frank Bertens, Adrian and Anne deKort, Jo and Piet Bertens, Tiny and Jos Bertens, Jan deKort, Louis and Mary deKort, Nel deKort, Lies and Willem VanLaak, Miet and Janus VanEsch, Jan Bertens and Wim Bertens. Annie will be fondly remembered for being a truly caring, gracious and strong woman. Family meant everything to Annie and she instilled this value deeply in all of us. She was a loving Mom through and through - always making sure every occasion was made extra special, and supporting us in our every endeavour. Annie and Gerry shared a beautiful love story throughout their 66 years of marriage. Their love story was that of fairy tales - teenage sweethearts, separated when Gerry was a soldier in Indonesia, a magical wedding as part of the famous six-couples, starting a new life in Canada, working together to build a successful dairy farm and raising a family together which was Annie’s crowning glory. And Annie was Gerry’s princess - there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her....and after years of caring for others, she took to the role of “diva” beautifully! Annie was born in the Netherlands, August 26, 1926. As one of eleven children she became skilled at what it took to run a home and learned the importance of hard work and family. When Annie had a home of her own, things were always immaculate and weekly “poetsing” was a must! There was always a warm meal, fresh baking and beautiful flower gardens to enjoy! Visits with family were a favourite and regular activity! As Annie aged, she faced many health challenges that would have defeated many of us. At each turn, Annie accepted the challenges life gave her graciously, and with quiet determination she persevered. In recent years, as Annie needed more help her motto became “Together we can do anything!” Annie was always so sweet and grateful to her family and those beautiful caring helpers who became a special part of Annie’s life, and she always made sure she said thank you. In fact “Thank You” were Annie’s last words. It was our honour to have been able to support our parents to stay at home as long as we could. We had many special, caring people helping us - their loving friends & neighbours Ron & Ruth Boonstra, wonderful care workers Pamme, Leslie, Lindsay and Taryn; and Dr Kenyon whose medical care helped keep our Mom going, against all odds, for many years. For her last few months, Annie lived at Cedarcroft Place, which was a very difficult transition without her Gerry, and made so much more difficult because of the pandemic. We are grateful to Lindsay plus the staff at Cedarcroft who did all they could for Mom during a very difficult time. We are going to miss you with all our hearts Mom, but your legacy of love will live on in all of us you leave behind. We know you are with Dad, where you belong, and where your heart is again complete. Due to Covid, a private family service will be held. We will celebrate both our parent’s wonderful lives when this pandemic allows. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or *St. Vincent de Paul Church Building Fund are appreciated and can be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com. *Please note that donations made on this website to The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario will be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Church Building Fund.