Obituaries

It was early spring in southern Alberta. The year was 1956. My parents, Gysbert and Everdina Donkersgoed, were busy setting up a new farm. My grandparents, Klaas and Mia Donkersgoed and Jan and Hendrikje Kolk, lived about 30 minutes away in Iron Springs - a small town full of other Dutch immigrants, mostly my 17 aunts and uncles and their spouses.

I ended up having over 60 first cousins - our family reunions were full of people espousing views on politics, religion, farming practices, raising children and the best potato salad recipes.

I was the oldest of six children. My beloved sisters are Margeret, Sylvia, and Irene. My third sister was born months before my fourth birthday. I can only imagine how busy my mom was with four children under four. My two dear brothers, Clarence and Ed, were born two and four years later.

Our childhood was one of routine - chores, with plenty of time to play with our cousins or the children of the various farm employees. All of our meals - and even our coffee breaks at 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM - were taken together at the large table, which Sylvia still owns.

With four daughters as their first children, my parents taught “the girls” all about working on the farm. We learned to drive tractors and grain trucks, light chicken brooder heaters, change tires, check the engine oil, and move sprinkler pipes - by hand.

My parents encouraged higher schooling, so in 1974, I started university in Lethbridge, initially pursuing a chemistry degree. Too much time alone in the lab and the memorization required for inorganic chemistry soon discouraged me. I was accepted into the University of Alberta’s Baccalaureate Nursing program and left with a degree. My first job, ironically, was at the Cross Cancer Institute, working as a palliative home care nurse. I had married Norm Freitag by then, and when he found a job in Regina, we moved there.

I raised my three beautiful children in Regina. Ben was born in 1983, Susan in 1985, and Ian in 1991. I’ve repeatedly said that having children was one of my life’s greatest joys. My love for them endures.

I worked as a nurse at the Regina Community Clinic. It was through my work there as a prenatal instructor that I realized my love of teaching. I completed my Arts Education Degree at the University of Regina in 1991 - finishing my exams just a few days after Ian was born and bringing him to my final classes. I learned much from teaching in Regina’s inner city schools; it was an honour to gain an understanding of First Nations' cultures. It was also in my teaching career that I found more cherished lifelong friends and kindred spirits.

I fell in love with my partner, Brian Best, in 2009 enjoying nights dancing together with the Regina Ballroom Dancing Club. We’ve shared much peace and happiness. Je t’aime, mon cheri.

I retired from teaching in 2016 and ventured into a full-time career in retirement. I had almost enough time to engage with my hobbies: cooking, creating arts and crafts, knitting, painting, poetry, dancing, and gardening. I’m grateful for the many beautiful meals, visits, and walks with friends and family. Very soon after retiring, I found my passion for being “Oma” to my beloved Bert, William, and Kieran and dedicated many days to enjoying them. The family is looking forward to welcoming Rebecca and Ian’s first baby in the summer: another precious boy!

My cancer diagnosis was unexpected. I would have loved many more years with all you dear people. I go with love in my heart; I’ve lived a good life.

 -    Henrietta

April 12, 1956 to March 26, 2024

In honour of Henrietta, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at The Dock’s (YQR Local Market) 1377 Hamilton Street, Regina, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carmichael Outreach or Prairie Harm Reduction.