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HENRIETTA HIELEMA
Born: Aug 02, 1949
Date of Passing: Apr 30, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHENRIETTA HIELEMA
Henrietta Hielema is now with Jesus, reuniting with her son Gregg Hielema, her sister Esther Huinink, her mother Hilje Joldersma Huinink and father Bernard Huinink. Peacefully in her sleep on April 30, 2025, Henrietta left this world.
She leaves behind her two remaining daughters, Brenda Bruinooge (Paul) and Crystle Numan (David), along with grandchildren, Geoff (girlfriend Sarah), Melissa (Tanner), Noah (Alayna), Joel (Clarise), Josh (fiancee Emily), and Megan, and great-grandchildren, Saylor, Elio, and Mae Lie.
Henrietta was born August 2, 1949, in The Netherlands and arrived in Canada shortly after the Second World War. She is survived by her siblings, Leida Gerrits (Henry), Henry Huinink, Shirley Vos (John), and Jim Huinink (Shirley).
Henrietta was a lifelong learner and teacher, starting her career in Ontario, then teaching in Manitoba and Alberta, with a return to Ontario and then finishing in Manitoba. She was instrumental in starting special education programs and supporting every student. She also helped found the Manitoba Association for Schooling at Home (MASH) in the 1980s.
So many books! Henrietta loved to read, loved to write, and bought so many books. Her shelves are full of books on architecture, art (Impressionism, Van Gogh, and Group of Seven especially), children's books, and religious books. She even published books, including her dad's memoirs and her memoir for her time at Fairview Christian School in Alberta.
Over the years, she acquired a large collection of art, both prints and originals from Group of Seven to Indigenous to local artists like Gerald Folkerts and Martin Postuma.
She loved to dance and loved the Blues, helping out at many Blues festivals in Canada. She was active on many boards including Indwell (Ontario), Anishinabe R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Christian Reformed Home Missions Committee for Classis Lake Superior, Grassie Villa Life Lease, and Cornerstone Life Lease Estates.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, Winnipeg, MB on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Live stream is available from their website (https://covenantcrc.ca/). Another celebration will be held in Kitchener, ON sometime in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Indwell (Ontario) and Calvin Christian School (Winnipeg).
She signed all her emails with:
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Henrietta was our big sister and had many responsibilities as a little girl, possibly too many. She was always strong and very active until she suffered with this cancer. Goodbye, Hennie, and we'll see you some day in Heaven 😢 - Posted by: Shirley Vos (Sister) on: May 08, 2025
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Saddened by the news of Henrietta's passing. My wife Silvia and I, along with Paul from the waterstreet blues band have known Henrietta for over 25 years. She loved the music, loved dancing, loved the festival scene and loved people. She and I shared a strong connection to Winnipeg and had long talks about the folks and scene back home. She was a tireless volunteer at the Kitchener Blues Festival, dedicated teacher and a loyal friend. Her boundless energy and positive presence will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Henrietta's family. - Posted by: Rob Deyman (friend) on: May 06, 2025
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I worked with Henrietta at Chief Peguis Junior High. The world has lost a beautiful person, and we are all poorer for her loss. We shared many wonderful moments. Her sense of humour and deep caring were amazing. So very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Pam Boomer (friend) on: May 04, 2025
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We are sad to hear of Henrietta’s passing. She was an active volunteer for many years at the Kitchener Blues Festival, and gave freely of her time each August. Her energy and dedication to this community event was an amazing gift, and she will be missed by many members of her blues family. Thank you Henrietta! - Posted by: Peter Beacock (Volunteer) on: May 04, 2025
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We want to wish our sincere condolences to the family. We remember the times while in school, and on to the years later. Fun times. Hugs and prayers to you all. - Posted by: Maria &Ben Krabbe (Friends from a long time ago, Woodstock Christian School and on.) on: May 03, 2025