Hendrika Johanna Alida "Ricki" Pudek

PUDEK Hendrika "Ricki" Johanna Alida (nee Gieltjes) (Oma, Amo) August 24, 1929 - March 13, 2009 Hendrika passed away at 6:30 AM on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Langley Memorial Hospital after admission to the hospital the evening before, at the age of 79. She ended her long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in the glass factory town of Leerdam in the Netherlands, one of seven siblings. She is survived by two of her sisters (Nel and Frieda), brother (Gerard), her loving husband (Marian), three sons (Morris, Ed, and Stan), their families, including 3 daughters-in-law (Susan, Debbie and Phyllis) and her 5 grandchildren (Graham, Cole, Devon, Shelby, and Laren). She came to Canada by ship, preceded by her husband, and arrived in Halifax in 1952 with her oldest son, Morris (2 years old at the time). She then took a train into the wilds of Northern Ontario, settling in Marathon for 13 years before moving to the west coast, where she happily lived for the rest of her life. During her time on earth, she worked as a nurse's aid, in retail and as a taxation agent. She had a love of life, huge heart, and a deep understanding of the workings of the mind, counselling many friends and relatives. She will be missed by all of those she influenced during her life. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at the Henderson's Langley Funeral Home, 20786 Fraser Highway, Langley, on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at the following link: www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2913424 . In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any donations to the "Canadian Cancer Society" in Hendrika's name.