Struyk, Aafke “Effie” (Age 71)

Aafke “Effie” STRUYK went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 22nd, 2019 in her 72nd year. Beloved wife to the Late Bert Struyk (2008). Loving mother to Sandra and Rob Jacklin, Patrick Struyk, Lily and Bruce Verhulp, Kathy and Jim Hale, Mike Struyk, Paul and fiancé Amanda, and Julie and Adrian Maldonado. Proud Grandmother to Kayla, Ashley, Christina, Tiffany, Brianna, and Shyanne. Sister and sister-in-law to John and Debbie Haanstra, Marth Vander Wier, Elisabeth and Jeremy Van Duyvendyk, Jerry and Jane Haanstra, Joyce Haanstra, Harvey and Ann Haanstra, Anita and John Kuipery, Jim and Nelly De Klerk, Peter and Henny Struyk, Tom Schenk, George and Ada Struyk, Jane Struyk, Harry and Madeline Struyk, Trude Struyk, Henry and Grace Struyk, Con Struyk, Pearl and Albert Postma and Bill and Sandy Struyk. Predeceased by parents Joyce (2016) and Harvey (1996), sisters-in-law Hilda Haanstra, Mien Struyk, Riet Struyk, Janice Struyk and Jenny Struyk, brothers-in-law Albert Baker, Ed Struyk and Wayne Vander Wier.
Effie was born on July 17th, 1948 in Hamilton, Ontario, the oldest of nine children. Her parents Harvey and Joyce Haanstra immigrated from Holland in June of 1947. Farming became a part of her life, first in Hannon and then in Tapleytown. After graduating from Hamilton District Christian School she went to teachers college. She taught at Jarvis Christian School for eight years. During that time she met Bert and they married on July 18th, 1969. God blessed them with 7 children in 8 years through adoption – Sandra, Patrick, Lily, Cathy, Mike, Paul and Julie. What a happy household! What precious gifts! Most of the children loved the farm and were a big help. In 1989 the family moved from Cayuga to Gowanstown where they continued their dairy farming life. Nine years later they moved to a beef farm near Gorrie. Bert and Effie retired in 2006 selling the farm and moving to town. Shortly after that they went on a trip out west – their last trip. Bert died on December 1st, 2008 from cancer. Effie continued to live in Gorrie and worship at Gorrie Bible Fellowship. She enjoyed the fellowship, singing and was involved with Salt and Light, Kids Club and Cell Group. She worked in the library for several years and helped to prepare elements for Communion. She struggled for many years with sleep apnea and allergies. The prayers, love and support of many people helped her to stay focused on the Lord. 
“God be with you till we meet again”
Friends and family will be received at The Gorrie Bible Fellowship Chapel on Friday, December 27th for visitation from 3 until 5 and 7 to 9 PM. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Gorrie Bible Fellowship Chapel on Saturday, December, 28th at 11 AM. Pastor Bob Bramhill officiating. Interment in Gorrie Cemetery in the Spring. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home, Brussels.
In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Gorrie Bible Fellowship Community Care Fund or ETHNOS Canada would be appreciated.

Categorised in: Obituaries

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