Ellen HEESTERS (nee Broeders)
HEESTERS, Ellen (nee Broeders) After a protracted struggle with cancer and heart disease, Ellen (Petronella) Heesters (nee Broeders) died peacefully August 4, 2016 in Hamilton, Ontario at the age of 81. She is survived by her children, Cornelius and his wife Ann; Margaret and her partner Bob; grandchildren Tiffany, Samantha, Corrie, and great-grandson Ronny; her brother, Nick and his wife Kathy; as well as family in the Netherlands. She is predeceased by her husband Cor (2002); parents Nick and Dini; sisters Annie, Ineke, and Ria. Ellen was born 1935 in Oosterhout, the Netherlands, she married in 1957 and immigrated to Canada that same year with her merchant mariner Cor. They retired to the Ancaster area whose close proximity to Mount Hope’s Airplane Museum occasioned frequent fly-overs by those sentinels of liberation (the Lancaster bomber) and always reminded them, as dad often said, that everything after the occupation “was a gift.” When diagnosed with cancer in 2014, she remained dedicated to her fundraising and board work with CAP (Cancer Assistance Program). She remained a brave, iron-willed woman, even throughout her final months. She can now join her beloved Cor who has been awaiting her return to the dance floor. The family would especially like to thank Deb Evans for her excellent work and loving care; the PSWs and nurses of the CCAC for their attentive treatment; long time family physician, Dr. Jim Faught, and the support of the wonderful ladies at the Villages of Glancaster. Ellen has designated CAP (The Cancer Assistance Program) as her charity of choice for memorial contributions.