Hendrika Van Kooten (née Veldhuyzen)

It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that we remember Hendrika Van Kooten, who passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 89.

Hendrika was born on March 27, 1936, in De Bilt, Holland, the eldest of four children born to Ben and Engelina Veldhuyzen.  Her childhood was shaped by the hardships and uncertainty of the Second World War, memories that remained with her throughout her life. Yet even amid those difficult years, she spoke fondly of the comfort, love, and security she found during the harshest times with her mother and grandmother—memories she treasured deeply.
When she was 15, in 1951, Hendrika came to Amulree, Canada with her family, beginning a new life, filled with courage, determination, and hope.  Right away she worked as domestic help for local Mennonites.  Always a hard worker, Hendrika pursued her dream of nursing, graduating as a Registered Nursing Assistant from Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital in 1954.
Fate intervened at a reunion picnic in Scotland, Ontario, where Dutch immigrants from her former neighbourhood gathered.  Among them was Jerry Van Kooten, one of those pesky Van Kooten boys she had known as a child.  Hendrika soon discovered that the young boy had grown into a handsome and kind-hearted man, and the two quickly formed a lasting bond.  They married in 1957 and shared 64 years of love, partnership, and devotion until Jerry’s passing in 2021.  Together they built a life grounded in family, hard work, and unwavering support for one another.

After moving several times in search of employment, Hendrika and Jerry settled in Barrie in 1958.  Hendrika began what would become a remarkable nursing career at Royal Victoria Hospital, serving the community with compassion and dedication for more than four decades.  She found particular joy working on the pediatric floor and caring for mothers and newborns, helping countless families welcome their children into the world.  Long before midwifery became legal, Hendrika was a passionate advocate for its importance.  Her career spanned an era of tremendous change, and she took pride in being one of the very few staff members to work in three different Royal Victoria Hospital buildings—from the original Victorian-era hospital on Ross Street to the newer one now called Victoria Village, to the modern Georgian Drive facility where she retired in 2001.

Hendrika approached life with curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of community.  In retirement, she cherished time spent with her beloved Jerry and devoted herself to the hobbies and causes she loved.  An accomplished quilter and lacemaker, she found joy in creating beautiful things with her hands.  She was also a spirited member of the Raging Grannies and a dedicated volunteer with Hospice Simcoe, generously sharing her time, energy, and compassion with others.
Above all, Hendrika was devoted to her family.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, kindness, and service.  She will be deeply missed by her daughter Michelle, son Jerry, grandchildren Angelina (Tanner), Nicole, and Michael, and great-grandchildren Archer and Declan, who brought her immense pride and happiness.  She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Trudy, brothers Ben and Hendrik (Stacey) and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Though she is reunited with Jerry, she leaves behind countless cherished memories and a lasting example of strength, generosity, and love.  Her family takes comfort in knowing that her caring spirit lives on in all those she touched throughout her extraordinary life.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with Hendrika’s wishes.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 25, 2026, in the dining room at the IOOF at 92 Dean Ave. Barrie, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., speeches beginning around 2:00 p.m. Refreshments and light snacks provided.