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ANNA LENA RIKKELMAN (GROENEWEGE)
Born: Feb 21, 1918
Date of Passing: Nov 24, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryANNA LENA RIKKELMAN (nee GROENEWEGE) Anna passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 24, 2018. She was the eldest daughter born to Marinus Groenewege and Lena van de Waal on February 21, 1918 in St. Annaland, the Netherlands. She is survived by her three children, Janna Murray, Ann Worth (Ray) and Jan Rikkelman (Judy); as well as her three sisters, Leni, Jeanette, and Riet and families in the Netherlands. She will always be lovingly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Jason, Garrett, Andrea, Susan, Allison, Corinne and Matthew; and her 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her her son Peter (1985), husband Jan (1988), and granddaughter Angie Worth (2014). She survived the Second World War in the Netherlands and moved to Canada with her family in 1955. She remained proud of her Dutch heritage. A long-time supporter of the University of Winnipeg, she received her BA degree proudly at the age of 72. She worked at St. Boniface Hospital and the Winnipeg Clinic and was a pioneer for women's rights and equal pay. Anna loved to talk. Whether speaking at an organized event at the University of Winnipeg or talking to her grandchildren, Anna could easily argue about the value of a loaf of stale bread, the Winnipeg Jets, industrial hemp or the environmental impact of the Manitoba pork industry. She had a passion for reading, gardening, travel, dancing, music, and staying active and fit. Oma's determination to eat ALL of the applesauce at family functions are still a source of laughter today. Her house was a museum and library for all to enjoy. Her struggle with dementia could be quite challenging for the staff of Actionmarguerite but they always responded with attentiveness and compassion. We can never thank them enough for their love, dedication, and hard work. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Actionmarguerite or a charity of your choice. Private service will be held at a later date. "Keep up the good spirits" Daag, Oma E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2018
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Sincere Condolences to all the Family. I knew Mrs. R growing up, being a neighbor across the street. I would remember her always sweeping the sidewalks and tending to her plants. I would also see her pack up her bicycle and head out, to wherever she would go, not knowing then that it was probably the hospital at that time or the U of W. I did grow up knowing the family, but never got to really know Mrs. R (as my Dad would always call her) until my twenties. l would come by to visit my Mom & Dad and the odd time she would pop by for a visit. She had great talks about her history and her interest on Hemp. My Dad, bless him, always enjoyed her company, enjoyed her talks about anything. She was an amazing woman! - Posted by: Sandra Dobson (Neighbor and friend) on: Dec 05, 2018
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I’m very sad to hear that Anna has died. I haven’t seen her for many years, but have thought of her and talked about her often. I’m a professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg, where she obtained her Geography BA in 1990. She took a class from me at one point, and she was a frequent visitor to my office over the years. As noted in her obituary, and as everyone who met Anna knows: boy could this woman talk! Amazing! And oh what stories she told! She had a truly remarkable mind and memory, and I was fascinated to hear all about the war years in the home country, about her nursing days, and about her dear husband, children and grandchildren. And, of course, I (and most everyone at the university) heard all about the super plant that is hemp (true) and about the terrible hog barns (also true). She understood what it meant to be an environmentalist, and we in the Geography Department will forever be grateful that she set up a Geography scholarship for like-minded young people. She will not be forgotten. Hmm: Many years ago Anna gave me some hemp seeds from her garden, so that I could plant them in my garden, so that I might see for myself the wondrous plant. I don’t think I ever planted them, but I’m sure that I still have them in my basement. I think I will go home tonight and plant them in a flower pot, and see what happens. I am confident they will grow. And I will plant some tulips next spring to honour her. From death springs life, and a garden rich with memories! Thank you, Anna. To her family and friends: my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Danny Blair (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2018
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On behalf of the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family on the passing of Anna. Anna was an incredible friend and benefactor to our department over the years. She was an engaging individual with a love of life, who always had a story to tell. Her endowed scholarship has supported many students over the years and will continue for many more. Her memory will thrive within our department as she has made an indelible mark on all of us. - Posted by: Christopher Storie (acquantaince) on: Dec 03, 2018
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To Judy and Allison, So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother-in-law and grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Paul - Posted by: Paul Roy (family friend and co worker) on: Dec 02, 2018
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Dear Janna & family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mum. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Regards John & Robin Weltevreden in Buderim, QLD, Australia - Posted by: John & Robin Weltevreden (acquaintance) on: Dec 02, 2018