It is with sadness we announce the passing of Theodora Aarts, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, at her home in her 83rd year. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Wilhelmus Ambrosius Aarts; and by her daughters, Elly (Fred) Perrin, Mary-anne (Barry) Wilcox, Theodora (Carlos) Garibay, Joanna (David) Chalack and her son, John (Debbie) Aarts and daughter Susan (Mick) Aarts; grandchildren Marita (Thomas) Neil, Marc Perrin, Sarah Wilcox, Brooke Wilcox, Joshua (Darlene) Clarke, Nathan (Bertha) Clarke, Caden Chalack, Ashley (Kevin) Thomas, Jacqueline (Richard) Boer, Jonathan Aarts, Jessie Aarts, Jacob Aarts, William Park and Theodora Park; her greatest joy and pride, her grandchildren Nakia Sun Hae Clarke, Kaelen Ambrosina Boer and finally Adora Son Ja Clarke. She is also survived by 7 sisters, 2 brothers and many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Theodora was born in Schijnel, Noord Brabant in the Netherlands. She married Bill in 1947 and they immigrated to Canada in 1948. She and Bill farmed in Ontario, Pumptown, Flood and Harrison Mills and finally Sardis. Dora and Bill raised championship Holsteins and six children.
Once the children were grown, Dora turned her energies to volunteering in the community.
She was a loyal and reliable member of the Atchelitz Women’s Institute for over 40 years. Dora also delivered Meals on Wheels for 25 years. In fact, Dora was 80 years old before she “retired” from her deliveries of hot meals to seniors. Traveling was a source of great pleasure for Dora and Bill, especially when they could “educate” themselves about history and other cultures. Peru, Mexico, England, France, Greece and Japan were all places visited, as well as many trips through BC and Alberta in Bill’s role as a field man for Holstein Canada. When she wasn’t volunteering or traveling, Dora was the pillar of wisdom for her family. She was a self-taught expert in most of the traditional household arts. Most family members have a hand stitched quilt from their Oma. Children were mom’s specialty. She was a reliable source of child-rearing information for both family and friends. In her later years, Dora was an avid cyclist, power walker and Curves member.
Funeral services are planned for Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 10:00 am from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 8909 Mary St. Chilliwack. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Prayers will be held on Wednesday February 21, 2007 at St. Mary’s Church at 5:00 pm.
If family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Atchelitz W.I or Meals on Wheels in Dora’s honour.