On Thursday February 27, 2020, Catharina van de Meerakker – Spierings, passed away at the age of 95 at the Sussex Health Center. Catharina (‘Toos’ as she was known by many) was born on July 13, 1924 in Schijndel, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands. She was the oldest girl in a family of 7 brothers and sisters. She grew up on the farm and the farm never left her. She learned that hard work is what got you ahead, and a hard worker she was, she instilled this in her own family. Being the oldest girl she became the second mother to her sisters and in the coming years she would look after some of their families before she started her own. Catharina was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She raised two sons, Robert and Harold and had the pleasure of seeing her two grandsons, Logan and Connor, grow up to become fantastic young men. Catharina had a passion for her family and no request were to great or small. She dedicated her life to ensure that family and friends were taken care of at all times. She loved helping people and often could be found giving her time to help friends in need with the little things, clean, cook, and look after children. Her life was formed by three main events, growing up during the second world war, the birth of her two children later in life and an immigration to Canada. She was fiercely independent and proud, she lived life on her own terms, insisting on living on her own until the day she passed. Catharina was predeceased by her husband Leonardus and her son Harold, her brother Martinus, and sisters Dien, Martha. She is survived by her son Robert (Tracy); two grandsons Logan and Connor; brother Wim, and sisters Riek and Maria. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 1 to 3pm. If you are considering making a memorial donation in memory of Catharina, the family has requested the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com Harold's obituary can be viewed here: https://wallacefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/2429/Harold-van-de-Meerakker/obituary.html#tribute-start To Take part in the Celebration of Life please copy this link into your address bar: https://livestream.com/accounts/12493326/events/9039885