THEODORA (DORIS) MARIA MARTINE WHITE (HANDSTEDE)

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THEODORA (DORIS) MARIA MARTINE WHITE (nee HANDSTEDE) On Friday, December 22, 2017 Theodora (Doris, Doortje) passed away at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home at the age of 93 years. Doortje is very much missed by her son Bob White (Phyllis); daughter Melinda Barr (John); granddaughters, Jennifer White (Marc Coulombe), Julie Barr (Alex Kolesar), Emma Barr; and great-granddaughter Natalie Martine Coulombe. She is survived by her beloved sister Mary (Miepie) Seymour of Burlington, ON, and her sister-in-law Catherine Kelly of Glace Bay, NS. She was predeceased by William, her husband of 58 years; parents, Lambertus and Johanna, and her sister Johanna (Annie). On April 7, 1924 Doortje was born in Zwolle, the Netherlands and moved at an early age to The Hague. She spoke often of her love for her family and the important role their unconditional love and acceptance played in her resilience to life's problems, along with a sense of humour. A very bright child, Doortje was mischievous and got into trouble frequently with the strict nuns at her school. Her happy childhood changed when Holland was invaded in 1940 and the privations of daily life in an occupied city were imposed on her family. After finishing school, Doortje worked as an interpreter for an insurance company and in 1945 she met William White, a Canadian soldier. After a three-week whirlwind courtship, they were separated for two years until she sailed for New York as a war bride and on to Nova Scotia to be reunited with Bill. They were married in Glace Bay on May 8, 1947. After a year they moved to Brantford, ON with their son Bob and later Melinda was born. In 1956 Bill rejoined the military and his career brought many moves, to Gagetown, NB, twice to Winnipeg, and twice to Hemer, Germany. They settled finally in Winnipeg, where Bill worked for Eaton's and she used his employee discount to great effect. Doortje kept the family home wherever they were, managing Bill's frequent military moves and absences. She returned to the workforce whenever possible, enjoying the challenge of work outside the home and the many friends she made there, meeting for many years after retirement with "les girls". She retired in 1989 as Supervisor of Central Records for the provincial government Department of Income Security. Doortje loved to travel and made many trips with Bill and with her daughter Melinda. She loved to learn and was particularly skilled in languages and political science. After retirement she attended continuing education classes at the University of Winnipeg, receiving a certificate to recognize her attendance in a variety of classes for more than 15 years. Doortje was kind, a loving mother, and a lot of fun; also, stubborn and fiercely independent. She would want us to thank the many people who helped as her health deteriorated, including the staff at Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts, Convalescent Home, and Misericordia Place. We especially thank Dr. Neda Ansari, for listening, and Evelyn, JoJo and Tania for their care, and long-time friends, Polly and Allan Hatton of Great Britain for their wonderful letters. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Misericordia Place, 44 Furby Avenue, Winnipeg, with a reception to follow in the 7th floor Rooftop Garden, Misericordia Health Centre, 99 Cornish Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation, www.childrenswish.ca Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2018