Maria (Rita) Catharina Eggermont-vanHaarlem, age 93, died peacefully on Tuesday February 14, 2023 at Shalom Manor after a lengthy struggle with dementia.
Rita was born in the Hague, the Netherlands where she met and married her long-time school sweetheart, John (Johannes) in February 1958.
Together they immigrated to Canada in 1960 and built a life in Hamilton, Ontario with their 4 children. She was a stay-at-home Mom until her kids grew up, then worked as a housekeeper and care provider for the Hamilton community (ComCare) until she retired at age 73.
Rita loved the church and service for others. She volunteered many hours in the choir, the Ladies Guild, Quilting Club, and Bible studies. Rita and John were active members of First Reformed Church and Chalmers Presbyterian Church.
After her loving husband passed away in 1998, Rita continued to volunteer and became a member of Mount Hope Community (Mount Hamilton) Christian Reformed Church.
Her life was a living example of her favourite Bible verse, Isaiah 48:17 “I am the Lord your God… who directs you in the way you should go.”
She is predeceased by her brother Daan, and sisters Ans & Corrie.
Rita is survived by her children and their spouses, Marian (Richard) Detmar, Martin (Annie) Eggermont, Annette (Donald) Cass and Linda (Marco) Mostacci; her 8 grandchildren, Sarah, Adam, Matthew, Brian, Ashley, Lucas, Olivia, & Elyse; and 3 great grandchildren, Andrew, Vincent & Mitchell; as well as her many nieces, nephews and extended family in the Netherlands.
Thank you to all the staff at Shalom Manor, Grimsby, who provided her loving care for over 10 years. We are most grateful.
Please join us celebrating her life Friday February 17, 2023, between 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at M.A. Clark & Sons Funeral Home at 567 Upper Wellington St, Hamilton, ON; private family funeral to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society at https://alzda.ca