Margaretha BOOTSMA

MARGARETHA BOOTSMA - Margaretha was born on July 31, 1953 in Den Hague, The Netherlands. Her family immigrated to Canada by ship in April 1957, crossed the country by train and settled in Vancouver. Margaretha fought cancer courageously with grace and dignity for two years. On February 9, 2011 Margaretha passed away peacefully surrounded by her brushes, paints, photographs and drawing supplies in the studio that she built near the ocean in Comox, BC. She was encircled and lifted by her friends' and families' love, hopes and prayers for her. We will forever hold her closely and gently in our hearts. Margaretha had a gift of making all of those around her feel like they were the only ones in her life, and of inspiring people to be better than what they thought they were capable of. She greeted each day with a smile, and made the most of each moment as she gracefully danced through life. She often took chances with her art, and inspired others to do the same, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. The art world has lost someone very special. Margaretha's art legacy will live on through everyone she has taught and inspired, and those who have been moved by her beautiful, thought-provoking works. Margaretha was predeceased by her father Albert Bootsma, and is survived by her spouse Paul Guenette, her stepchildren Takeshi and Natusko, her mother Ann Bootsma, brothers John (Linda), Rudy (Allison), Harold (Valori), Terry (Melanie), and David (Shari), sisters Rita (Blake), Tina (Richard), and Caroline (Roy), many beloved nieces and nephews, and friends worldwide. The compassion, kindness, care and dedication exhibited by Dr. Sugar and his team at the Lions Gate Hospital Palliative Care Ward and The North Shore Hospice were outstanding and we are forever grateful to them. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to your choice of the following: Kwantlen Polytechnic University for a student award created in Margaretha's honour, 604-5992010. The North Shore Hospice, 604-988-2312. The Vancouver Island Compassion Society, 250-381-8427. There will be a memorial/celebration for Margaretha at 6 pm on March 12 at the BAU-XI GALLERY, 3045 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J9. For further details please visit margarethabootsma.com