Jeanette, her siblings and Father
Sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear mom. I never met her but heard about her from Jeanette and how much she loved and cherished you all. Praying God's comfort be upon you.
Love, Alaina
Petronella (Peta) Alida Sophia Arends (née Boer)
1935-2024
Petronella (Peta) Alida Sophia Arends (née Boer) passed away during the early morning of November 8, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario. She was the last of the Boer family; her five brothers are all deceased. Willem, Jan, Luke and Piet lived in the Netherlands, and Koos in Wisconsin.
Born on January 28th, 1935, she grew up in Utrecht, Netherlands and married Hermanus (Hans) Arends in 1955. At just 20 years old, she said goodbye to her family and left with Hans to Australia. There she had their first son, Gerald. After a brief return to the Netherlands in 1959, she continued on to Canada where they landed in Bowmanville, Ontario. This was just the start of her many moves around the country. Next it was off to Toronto, and then to the Pembroke area where in 1964 they bought their first home. After welcoming five more children (Paul, Hans Jr., Ralph, Jeanette, and Monique) into their Westmeath family, Peta was once again on the move. It was off to the west-end of Montreal, and then back again to live for a while in the east-end of Ottawa. Wherever she lived, Peta attended the local Christian Reformed Church with her family. Following in the footsteps of Christ, she served family, friends, neighbors whenever she could.
Whether she was cooking huge Christmas batches of oliebollen and croquettes, or taking her family on big camping trips – Peta created many family traditions that are still carried on today. Retirement was a season of travel for her and Hans. As avid RV owners, they explored Canada, Alaska, Mexico and the United States. Her sense of adventure also brought them on epic trips to Hawaii and New Zealand. Peta’s legacy lives on through her twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church 3782 Russell Road, Ottawa on Friday November 14th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Ramsayville Cemetery.
We miss her dearly but are relieved to know that Peta is now with the Lord, pain free, memories restored, and full of joy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.