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(Rita)

(nee Looren de Jong)

Surrounded by her husband and children, Rita passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2009 at Cascade Hospice in Chilliwack BC at the age of 78.

Rita was the youngest of nine children born to Huibert and Gertruida Looren De Jong in Bergambacht Holland on

October 4, 1930.

She was married to Anthony C. Bestebroer on November 8 1951. Twenty four hours later the newly married couple boarded the ocean liner S.S. Ryndam for a two-week journey to their new home in Chilliwack BC.

In 1954, they moved to Agassiz where they owned and operated Agassiz Bakery for eight years. In 1963 they returned to Chilliwack where Anthony opened A.C. Bestebroer Pianos and Organs.

Rita loved spending time in her garden; baking, jig saw puzzles; reading and needlepoint. She also enjoyed walking the Stanley Park sea wall and despite a fear of heights and of flying she travelled extensively with her husband.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by Anthony, her husband of 57 years as well as her children Margaret (Wally) Tenbrinke, Chilliwack, B.C., Jane (Casey) Langbroek, Chilliwack, B.C., Rita (Bert) Tenbrinke, Lacombe Alberta, Gerty (Ian) Shipmaker, Salmon Arm, B.C., Jacob (Pat) Bestebroer, Chilliwack, B.C. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The entire Bestebroer family would like to thank all the staff and volunteers of Cascade Hospice for providing Rita with such loving care during her final days.

Funeral service to be held Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church, 9800 McNaught Road, Chilliwack.




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