Memorial in Katwijk

 Oma's photo in the Lourdes grotto in Saint Martinus Church, where her and Opa were married.

 Tanté Jo lighting a candle for Oma

 Tanté Jo  and Tanté Mien

The grave of Joseph Willems and Lamberta Bardouel, Oma's parents.

Also buried there is her sister Marie and her husband Herman.

Flowers for Oma

 Tanté Jo with her son Jos and his daughter. 

Sonya with Tanté Mien, her daughter José and her granddaughter Maya.

 Coffee and biscuits at René and Gonny's after the memorial, in the house where Oma was born.

On Saturday there was a memorial for Oma haeld in Katwijk, thoughtfully organised by Trudy and Thijs and Reneé and Gonny. Oma's two sisters Jo and Mien were both able to attend as well as many of the family and close friends.

René said some kind words for Oma at the memorial and Trudy read a beautiful poem in Dutch, which I also read in English. The poem (and an English translation) is below. Everyone expressed their sincerest sympathy for Opa and all the NZ family. Adriaan recorded the day and I'm sure he will make copies available to any who wish to view it.

I'd like to thank everyone who was able to attend for their kind wishes. It was an honour to be there.
xx Sonya


Het is voorbij

Het is voorbij
de dagen zijn gegaan
getijden van de zee
kwartieren van de maan
een boom vol vruchten
en een huis vol zomer
het is gedaan

U keert terug
tot wie U was
een vrouw alleen
ontdaan van bloesem
en van blad
scherper getekend aan de hemel

U hebt de wereld niet gewonnen
de sterren niet bestormd
het werk heeft U ter hand genomen

nu bent U
tot Uzelf gekomen
jaarringen sieren Uw  gelaat
de nevels nemen toe
een grijze winter staat te komen

ik weet het
U gedenkt de stormen

maar.......
gedenk de lente
en de zomer
die te wachten staan


It is over                                              


It is over                                                      
the days are gone                               
tides of the sea
quarters of the moon
a tree full of fruit
a house full of summer
it is done


You go back
to who you were
a woman alone
without blossom
and leaves
signed in the sky


You did not win the world
nor pluck the stars
You did your work


Now you have come
into yourself
lines from years
on your face
misty clouds around you
a grey winter is coming


I know
You remember the storms


but....
don’t forget
spring is waiting
summer is coming

(free translated by Sonya and Trudy)