Van Ryn, Mynsje (Menks)
Mynsje (Menks) Van Ryn died peacefully at her home in Lisle, with her family at her side, on Monday June 12, 2017 in her 82nd year. Born in Voorburg, Holland,on October 6, 1935 to Willem Gerhard Houtzager and Wilhelmina (nee Oudshoorn) Houtzager. Beloved wife of Andy Van Ryn for 59 years. Proud mother to Agnes (Dave Wylie), Sharon (Cameron Kozlowski), Bill (Ingrid), and Michelle (Robert Chatelain). Proud Oma to Elijah, Joshua, Emily, Quinn, Troy, Brooklynn, Saskia, Michael, Rebekah, Andie, Isabel and Jude. Predeceased by her husband Andy, son Michael, twin sister Wilhelmina Roubos, and step sisters Nell Heitmar and Bets de Rooy. Her brother Willem Gerhard (Gerry) Houtzager (Dorothy) now live in Wasaga Beach. She will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Menks immigrated to Canada with her mother, stepfather, twin sister and brother, landing in Quebec City on July 21, 1951 en route to Utopia, Ontario. After marrying Andy and briefly living in Toronto, they bought their farm in Lisle. In the early years, three Van Ryn brothers owned farms at the ‘3 churches corners’. This extended family of Dutch immigrants worked together to build a life in Canada in God’s light. She and Andy worked the farm and raised their children together; Menks was a tireless wife, mother and eventually Oma. Menks was famous for her generous hospitality. She was a devout member of The Reformed Church in Barrie for many years and then St. Andrews Maple Cross Presbyterian Church in Creemore where she was a member of ‘God’s Willing Servants’.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Maple Cross Presbyterian Church, Creemore on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 1 p.m. followed by a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Creemore Branch. Private burial rites are being performed at Fawcett Funeral Home in Creemore on Friday, June 16, 2017 followed by interment at Alliston Union Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Maple Cross Presbyterian Church. Friends may visit Menks’ online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com.
