Murkje Straatsma

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Our dear Mother Murkje (Mona) was born August 22, 1926 in Akkerwoude, Friesland, The Netherlands, one of five children in the Damstra - van der Galien family. (Stijntje, Jantine, Wiebe, and Jo).

Her father passed away when she and her siblings were very young. As a result, times were difficult and she came of age during World War II, a harrowing period. Her mother’s extended family were very important in her life, especially her Tante Hill with whom she was a life-long close friend.

In 1947 she married Yde Straatsma whom she had known since childhood. Over the following decade, 4 of her 5 children were born: Andrew, Marilyn, John, and Sonya. In 1964 the family immigrated to Brampton, Ontario Canada where her fifth child Ron was born. Yde passed away in 2017.

While raising a family together with Yde, she developed lasting friendships which she treasured the rest of her life. She was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed political satire, including an extensive scrap book collection featuring current events articles and political cartoons. Some of her greatest gifts include her poignant letters and notes to family members and friends near and far. Her penned thoughts are a wonderful legacy.

Murkje is survived by her children and grandchildren: Andrew (Kyle & Cameron) Marilyn and Carl (Monique & Peter), John and Joanne (Jodan, Jarin, & Josun), Sonya and Mieke, and Ron and Larysa (Mikaila, Reuben, & Alexandra).

She was also blessed with many great grandchildren (Emmett, Levi, Jamie, Alexis, Aislyn, Lacey, Joseph, Savona, Sawyer, and Josun Jr.)

A private family service will be held on Friday, January 13, at 11:00am for immediate family and Murkje’s brothers and sisters in-law. Others may wish to view a Livestream of the services online. Please visit the link above to view the service.