Obituary of Martha Verhoeven

Mrs. Martha Verhoeven of Plumweseep, was born on September 29, 1928 in Schijndel, Netherlands. She was one of seven children, the daughter of the late Gerard and Antonetta Spierings.
 
Martha married Tony Verhoeven on April 21, 1953. Shortly afterward they immigrated to New Brunswick. By 1959, they settled on a quaint farm in the hills of Plumweseep. Together they built up a thriving dairy farm and raised a family of five children.

In Martha and Tony’s household nothing was ever wasted. As much as possible was reused, repaired, or repurposed. In keeping with that philosophy and her giving nature, Martha wanted her body donated to medical research.

Often in around the table discussions Tony would put his hand on Martha’s arm, look into her eyes and say “Martha, Martha, Martha oh ye of little faith.” Martha had lots of faith, except when it came to some of Tony’s ideas.

Martha welcomed guests, visitors, and immigrants who landed at the door with open arms andadopted their children as grandkids. These immigrants often stayed with the Verhoeven’s until they were able to get onto farms of their own and maintained life-long friendships.

Martha worked hard in the home- cooking, cleaning and caring for her family. Her morning routine was to get up with Tony and help him with the milking. She would return to the house in time to get breakfast for the children and ready them for school. Then it was back to the barn to clean up. As the children grew they helped reduce her workload in the barn and house.

Martha was very thoughtful and well-prepared. Not a birthday, anniversary or occasion went by without a card which had some much appreciated money tucked inside.

Martha was passionate about her faith and instilling moral values in her children. Much of her time was spent devoted to prayer. She and Tony enjoyed participating in several pilgrimages.

Martha was very generous and her love for children extended to the sponsoring of many children in third world countries. She valued charity and supported multiple organizations.

Martha enjoyed sewing from an early age and could whip up an outfit/costume or do repairs in no time. No pattern was required. She stitched her own wedding gown which, every year on April 21st, she would slip into for awhile. Oma also enjoyed cross-stitching and made a large tablecloth for special occasions with everyone’s name on it.

Martha was always tasked with painting. She would get out her paint brush and put her  creativity to use on the projects that she and Tony built including birdhouses, windmills, swings, slides and rocking horses.

In Martha’s spare time she liked to knit sweaters, mitts and socks which she lovingly passed on to her grandchildren.

An evening was not complete for Martha unless a few rounds of cards were played. Martha would tweak the rules of the game so no player would be left holding the Queen of Spades.
 
She will live on in the hearts of her beloved husband of 64 years, Tony Verhoeven; her children: Anternetta Crawford and her
husband Robert of PEI, Harry Verhoeven and his wife Jay of Edmonton, Gerard Verhoeven and his wife Tamie of Plumweseep, Mary Anne Verhoeven of Sussex and Joseph Verhoeven and his wife Christine of PEI; her daughter-in-law, Carla Verhoeven of
Edmonton; her brother: Wim Spierings ; her sisters Catherina vandeMerrakker,   Riek vanRoosmalen, Dien vandeLoo and Mary Otterdyks;  her grandchildren: Jennifer (Dave) and John (Wendy) Crawford, Michael (Michelle), Andrew (Sophy), Marcus (Torinda), Lexi, Robyn (Sarah), Nico, Marcel, Larissa (Tyrell), Tony, Abrial, Spierings, Brohen and Ricquelle Verhoeven; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Martha Verhoeven of Plumweseep, passed away surrounded by her family on July 19, 2017 at the age of 88.
 
Alongside her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Martin Spierings.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) At Martha's request no visitation will be held.  

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Martha's life will be held from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 am. 

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.