Stegeman, Hendrika (Rita) Alida

A kind and gentle soul passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018, at the age of 87.  Rita is survived by her children John (Mary), Joyce Barnes (Dick), Ingrid McFarlane (Rob), her beloved grandchildren Jennifer (Dave), David (Whitney), Craig (Marielle), Brian and Krystine, and great-grandchild, Julia.  Predeceased by her parents, Sijmen and Johanna Veldkamp, brother, Hans, and husband, Jan (2000).  She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her. Rita was born in Zwolle, The Netherlands, immigrated with Jan in 1952 to Canada and learned how to speak English by watching television.  She was an excellent knitter and sewer, loved cross-stitching and tackling crossword puzzles, sang beautifully, amassed a 200+ collection of classical music CDs, volunteered at many organizations, always wore stylish eyeglasses, and enjoyed working as an admitting clerk at the Sarnia General Hospital ER.  She was so proud of getting her driver’s license at the age of 62 and rarely made a left-hand turn. She made the best minestrone soup and chocolate hail sandwiches in town. She was an active member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church for nearly 55 years. A special thank you to Vision Nursing Home 3rd floor staff who took excellent care of Rita for 7 years while she lived with the challenges of advanced glaucoma and Parkinson’s Disease with grace and determination. Friends will be received at the McCormack Funeral Home - Stewart Chapel, 254 George Street (at College Avenue) on Monday July 16 for a Memorial Service at 1 pm. Interment to follow at Blackwell Cemetery. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Rita’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. If desired, donations may be made at www.parkinson.ca or www.cnib.ca. Arrangements entrusted to McCormack Funeral Home - Stewart Chapel, Sarnia.