Obituary of Maria Christina van Zutphen

View Funeral Mass here   https://youtu.be/2ygcLvxzKwg

View Cemetery prayers here   https://youtu.be/vYoSfjfFnas

Maria Christina “Mary” “Nannie” van Zutphen, age 86, of Lower South River, passed away peacefully in her home on August 21, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Born in Holland on August 27, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Henricus and Maria (Klaassen) Peeters. She immigrated to Canada in 1951, where she met and married the love of her life, Henry, in 1957. After their wedding, the couple briefly lived on the Mount Cameron farm. In 1961, they put down their roots on a dairy farm in Lower South River where they raised their family. Our mom was a farm girl at heart. She took immense pride in her gardens, enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting, watching and feeding the birds. Nannie is remembered fondly for encouraging her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, no matter how small, to help her bake bread. It didn’t matter how much of a mess they made, in her words “they could do no wrong.” No one was a stranger in her home and she welcomed all with open arms, a warm meal, and a Dutch cookie. Mary was “Nannie” to many children, both those in her own family and others who were part of her life over the years. Her kindness, warm heart and giving spirit made everyone feel at home when they walked through her door.  Nannie will be remembered warmly by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, godchildren, in-laws, cousins and friends. Over the years she enjoyed her trips to Ontario, Florida, and Holland. She was very active with 4-H for many years and a long standing member of St. Andrews CWL.

She is survived by her husband Henry of 63 years; their children, John, Alberta; Anne Marie (Leroy) Antigonish; Liz (Tom) Antigonish; Linda, Alberta; Brenda (Ricky) Antigonish; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters Dena Cameron (Halifax), Helma Berkvens (Ontario) and Annie Peeters (Holland); brothers Peter (Jo) Ontario; Martin (Terry) New Glasgow; Joe (Josie) Brook Village. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by infant son William; daughter Mary Lou; grandson Jamie; sisters Trudy Vokaty, Nellie Hubers; and brothers Bill Peeters and Harry Peeters. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff who have helped care for Nannie over the last number of years. Their continued compassion and support was very much appreciated by the entire family.

The family will receive visitors from 2-7 pm on Tuesday, August 25 at the family home at 142 South River Loop, Lower South River. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 26 at 11 am at the St. Andrews Church in St. Andrews. Burial to follow in parish cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Antigonish Food Bank or Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS) https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27921. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, attending the funeral mass will be allowed by invitation only. Those invited to attend will be contacted by the family. Tributes and words of comfort and memories of Nannie may be made by visiting www.MacIsaacs.ca.

Nannie you will be missed but not forgotten. Rest peacefully, we love you.