Jeanette Makkinga

Life Remembrance for our mother, Jeanette Makkinga

In the first hour of Apr 16, 2020 our mother Jeanette Makkinga (born Jetske Posthumus) passed from this earth to hopefully a painless and restful place, our love will always be with you and you will not be forgotten. Born Dec 4, 1936 in Heerenveen, Friesland, Netherlands mom was the only child of our late pake and beppe, Rink (Richard) Posthumus and Zwaantje (Sandra) nee Greydanus. After a mostly enjoyed childhood in Friesland the family immigrated to Canada in April 1950. Like many immigrants they passed through Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, then travelled by train to southern Ontario. Late in 1953 in or near Acton, Ontario mom met our father, late Gerrit Jan (John) Makkinga. They married on Oct 1, 1955. Six children followed (all surviving): Martin (Karen), Richard (ex Holly), Sandra (Denys), Alice (John), John (Alison), and Peter. Then grandchildren: M-K, Courtney (Mike) and Kayla (Dan); R-H, Aaron (Kerri, ex Amanda) and Megan (Casey); S-D, Crystal; A-J, Jason (Trisha), Greg (Brittany) and Brandon (ex CaLey); J-A, Bryce (Josie) and Cara (Jordan). And then great-grandchildren: K-D, Taylor and Braden; A-A, Hailey; M-C, Kaydence, Kingston and Kashlynn; J-T, Harly and Isabella; G-B, Nathan; B-C, Evan; B-J, Odin.

In 1970 our family moved to Thunder Bay. There were many good times in Thunder Bay but our parent’s marriage did not last - they separated in 1976 (divorced in 1979). In 1986 after five of six children had ‘left the nest’ mom and Peter returned to southern Ontario (Brampton) for a ‘new start’ and to be near her parents. The move was good for mom and with only one child left to care for she was able to spend more time doing some of the things she loved, like being outside and working in the garden, growing the flowers she loved, and bird watching (especially cardinals).

Our mom was always a solitary person, thinking and caring more about family than herself. At times it was difficult for mom to express how she really felt about others or situations and she did not like being ‘fussed-over’. Wherever you are mom we hope all fussing has ended and you have found peace.

A huge thank you to all of the staff at Holland Christian Homes, in particular the dedicated staff of Grace Manor, 3-North where mom last resided, who cared-for, entertained and supported our mother in her last years, we are very grateful. A special thank you to our brother Peter who was mom’s closest companion and who dedicated much of his life to care for her, we love you brother and although this time may be difficult know that mom would want us to live on and be happy, so let’s all do just that.

Partially in accordance with mom’s wishes (i.e. no-fuss please) but mostly due to the ongoing pandemic (coronavirus/COVID-19), no funeral or life-celebration is currently planned. We may have some type of service or family/remembrance gathering in the future.