Contributions to the tribute of Henrica "Rika" Hellings

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Wilhelmina Kelly (nee Cuypers) posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Hellings family. I remember well the sound of your mom’s voice and laughter; (of which there was always plenty.), back in the days when the Dutch group got together and played cards and visited. It was evident what a hard worker Riek always was, providing and caring for her family. Now she can finally rest with your father.

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Henk van der Steen posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Dear family Hellings - van den Oetelaar, I learned from Rien’s mail that Tante Riek passed away, peacefully at the age of 92. My deepest condolences go to you Anne, Dorothy, Henrietta, Harold, and your families. No doubt her personality and spirit will live on through many cherished memories you will hold dearly. May the love and kindness she shared be helping you during this difficult time. I remember her as a most amiable person, who always took time for visitors, sharing coffee and food, who always made room for us to stay for a few days when visiting from Holland. I surely remember the stories about the past at home in ‘t Vennishoekske in Schijndel, the years after the war, the difficult times in the “hennenkooi” and many more. Each story took a little while, had many detours but always came back to the point of origin. Unfortunately, lately this terrible Alzheimer disease impacted her own memories and made communications very difficult. Time will go on, you must carry on, but things will not be as they used to be. All the best with kind regards Henk (and Annie)

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Christine Thornhill donated to Alzheimer Society Of Simcoe County

Monday, March 3, 2025

My sincerest condolences to the family.

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Tom Graham posted a condolence

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Anne and family, we wanted to send you are sincere condolences. May God's peace be with you Rick also asked me to pass on his condolences Tom and Debbie

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Frances Quin posted a condolence

Saturday, March 1, 2025

GRIEF! Grief is not a moment. It is not something that fades simply because time moves forward. It lingers, reshapes, and becomes a quiet companion to those who have lost someone they love. The world may expect grief to have an expiration date, to be something that eventually disappears, but the truth is, loss does not just take a person—it takes pieces of the life that once existed, rewriting the very foundation of who you are. When someone is gone, the world does not stop. Time continues, people carry on, seasons change. But for those left behind, everything shifts. The places once filled with their laughter now echo with absence. The moments once shared now feel incomplete. It is not just their absence that is mourned—it is the loss of what was, the loss of what could have been. Some may ask, *"Are you still grieving?"* as if the passage of time should lessen the weight of love that once existed. But grief is not something to be outrun, nor is it something to be measured by a calendar. It is woven into the fabric of the soul, a reflection of the depth of love that was once given and received. Yet, even in the depths of grief, there is resilience. There is a quiet strength in carrying memories, in learning how to live in a world that feels different. Grief does not mean being stuck—it means honoring what was lost while still moving forward. It is proof that love does not vanish. It transforms. So let grief be. Let it exist without shame. It is not a weakness; it is love continuing beyond loss. Some may not understand, but those who do know that grief is not a sign of refusing to move on—it is a testament to a love that will never fade.

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Shannon lit a candle

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Oma was unafraid of hard work always busy with something, but always had time for a visit. She always had the best stories and could keep a conversation for hours. (I wish I wrote them down.) I can only ever remember having good and peaceful times at her house full of love and laughs. Her patience was unmatched as she taught her grandchildren numerous lessons about all aspects of life. Being spoiled by her was the standard and you never left her presence with an empty heart or stomach. She will be greatly missed by many. I love you.

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The family of Henrica "Rika" Hellings uploaded a photo

Friday, February 28, 2025

Henrica "Rika" Hellings

1932 - 2025