On Monday, January 23, with loved ones at her side, Maria (Mary) Johanna Spek (nee Puhl) peacefully passed away. She was 92 years old. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 7, 1930, she grew up in Den Helder and enjoyed a happy childhood, raised under the love and protection of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and of course, her kind and loving mother.

Despite being an only child, she formed a close bond with her cousin Freek, whom she grew up alongside and looked upon as a brother. As a family, they spent time at the beach and rode bikes to visit their many relatives in the area. Bombing of the Den Helder harbour during the Nazi occupation of Holland from 1940-1945 compelled the family to relocate to the country in search of better access to food and safe shelter. An excellent student, she caught the attention of a teacher that believed her too talented to go into domestic service after the 8th grade, as was the custom for girls at the time. Because high school was costly, her mother worked hard, cleaning houses to afford tuition, allowing her to achieve a full education. After graduating, she worked as a clerk in the town office where she met the only man she ever loved, Johannes (John) Spek. When he decided to immigrate to Canada, it seemed their relationship had come to an end but after a short time, he wrote, asking her to marry him, and she gladly accepted. They were married by proxy, with her cousin Freek standing in as the groom. Speaking no English and leaving her many friends and family behind, she crossed the Atlantic, landing in Montreal and taking the train to meet her husband in Winnipeg. Less than a year later, and much to everyone’s surprise, they welcomed a set of twins. Over the next eight years, they were blessed with three more children and purchased the family home which she lived in until the time of her passing. Seven years later, with the birth of their youngest daughter, the family was complete.

Mary enjoyed working in her garden, playing cards with friends and most of all, spending time with her big family of whom she was very proud. She had a kind and thoughtful nature and never missed a birthday or anniversary. Loved ones could look forward to receiving a card for every occasion, always handwritten with a personal note. She had a way of making others feel truly loved, just for being who they are and will forever be remembered for her ability to make the perfect cup of tea. She was kind-hearted and compassionate, eternally guided by her desire to see others happy. She was brave and independent, a shining example of resilience and strength to those around her. Most of all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and cousin.  

Mary is survived by her children, Dirk (Gwen) Spek, Rita (Louis) Spek-Robidoux, Nel (Maurice) McLarty, Joanne (Brad) Doell, Jannette (Howard) Besser; cousin Freek Puhl; sister-in-law Dina Spek-Boontjes; brother-in-law Bob Bonte, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her dear friend Jope. She is preceded in death by her husband John Spek, daughter and son-in-law Alfreda and Mark Johnson; mother Maria Johanna Puhl; mother-in-law Neeltje van der Bas-Spek; father-in-law Dirk Spek; half-sister Elizabeth Bonte; sister-in-law Berta Spek-van der Ben; and brothers-in-law Jan Boontjes and Jan van der Ben.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 30th at 2:00pm at the Gladstone Cemetery.