Monday, December 7, 2009
Dear Frans, John, Mary, Paul and Theresa; I am very certain that Tante Dora is in a place where her body and mind will finally do what she was unable to accomplish for a while now. She is also sharing all the latest family and neighbour news with Oom Jan, and her family who are waiting for her. She was a true matriarch not only of your family, but in so many ways, of the extended Eikelkamps too. So many of my childhood memories with cousins, revolve around the farm in Smiths Falls. As a child, the house always seemed so massive, and with secret-like passages that led in so many different directions. At the helm of any family gathering, was Tante Dora in the kitchen, never shy to get any available kid to run a errand, or stir a pot. There was often the smell of my favorite "ghahack-balletije zoup", wafting through the air, and always masses of home grown food. It was difficult to see her in the latter months, so frustrated with a body that she could no longer control. She had been such a powerful person, and lived life with such full steam. As a little kid, I was sometimes a bit frightened by her gruffness, but as I got older I came to appreciate her no-nonsense attitude to life. You always knew where you stood with her, and there was not a fake or insincere bone in her body. I came to know her as a lady who welcomed everyone into her home with warm hospitality and a good meal. She worked incredibly hard, and made sure others lived up to their potential as well. She will be greatly missed. No one in heaven will ever go hungry and the gardens will be massive and impeccable!!! We regret that we will be unable to be with you to share in the memories and colourful stories of her life. Know that our warm wishes and prayers are with you all. Anil, Mary, Achla and Aruna
