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Margaretha Bootsma Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 2011.

BOOTSMA, Margaretha 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 most special 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 pre-deceased by her father Albert Bootsma, and is survived by her spouse Paul Guenette, her stepchildren Takeshi and Natsuko, 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, 604-599-2010. The North Shore Hospice, 604-988-2312. The Vancouver Island Compassion Society, 250-381-8427.There will be a Memorial/Celebration for Margaretha at 6:00 p.m. on March 12 at the BAU-XI GALLERY, 3045 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J9. For further details please visit margarethabootsma.com

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Recent Activity

March 15, 2011

Merilyn Blake-Herrod posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2011

Sheila Hall posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2011

Kim Brooks posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Merilyn Blake-Herrod

March 15, 2011

I met Margaretha through my brother and his best friend (David Yard) many years ago. I remember Margaretha as being a beautiful young woman then and heard that she went on in life to be very artisitic and full of grace.
I heard the celebration of her life was a very emotional one as she will be so very missed by everyone who ever knew her. Rest in Peace

Sheila Hall

February 28, 2011

Peace and love to the family of Margaretha...She was a dear friend and we were always laughing and sharing ideas about found materials and just how to get that huge piece of metal to the studio.
I will miss her greatly.....she is a bright light and touched all she came in contact with.

To the best friend I could have wished for. 40 years was just a beginning! Until we meet again. Always In my heart. Thanks for being you.

Kim Brooks

February 27, 2011

'Take this love'

Spirit bubbling like champagne
Effervescent, capricious, heady
Spirit of Adventure. Gypsy soul. Thirst for all that speaks of beauty

Powerful love, felt by all
Who come close to your joy and grace
Inspired by the creative surge
Radiant, passionate gem. That is you.

‘I will be there for you’
We vowed so many years ago.
And so it is. Forever. Near as breath.
As warm. As nourishing.

This new adventure- boldly go
Before me, this time. All is well
Light the path, find the greatness
That is you. Rejoicing lightbody girl

The many times, and lives and laughter
Togther. Dancing, spinning,
Arms held high,head bowed.Smiling
Feel the beat within your soul

Fly high and strong. Take this love.
Into the Mystic

Kyla Bootsma

February 26, 2011

Dearest Auntie. You are everywhere. The trees, the ocean, the way the sun hits our beautiful mountains. Its all you. I love you and miss you so. You will forever be a part of me.

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annemieke van der plas

February 24, 2011

Dear cousins, Aunt Bootsma and Paul,
I am so sorry to hear that beautiful Margaretha is no longer with us. Know that we across the big ocean will think of her and you.
Love to you all, Annemieke Gilbride van der Plas, Alkmaar, The Netherlands

Michael Maloney

February 22, 2011

I've know Margaretha for many years, though we lost touch along the way. She was young and beautiful when we met, a mysterious artist, blond hair flowing from under a navy blue beret. I called her Maggie and she didn't seem to mind. But then she was always a person of exceptional grace. You are missed Maggie, even from across the years.

Christine Finskars

February 21, 2011

A truly beautiful, loving, generous and gifted person whose light will remain with me always. Thank you for the wonderful memories. You will be greatly missed.

Rita Terriff

February 20, 2011

You will remain forever in my heart, sweet sister. I miss you so much.

Treasured Friend

Connie Charnell

February 19, 2011

Margaretha was my treasured friend since we were in our early twenties. Since I heard of her passing, I have felt her touch on the breath of wind, seen her in the graceful trees reaching up to the clouds and hear her voice in the beautiful music.

Beautiful Margaretha

Catherine Charnell

February 19, 2011

Catherine Charnell

February 19, 2011

Dear Paul and Bootsma family,
I am so sorry that Margaretha has been taken from you. She will always be a part of my life and will be remembered with love forever. She did fight bravely and had a smile and a kind words for everyone. Her thought provoking work gave so much to all of us. She had a generosity of spirit and a supreme love of life which was infectious. I;ll remember her smiling face and her voice which was music to my ears.

Jeannette (deVries) Miller

February 19, 2011

Dear Bootsma family, I am so saddened to learn of Margaretha's passing. I never knew she had become an accomplished artist, I wish I could tell her now how much I like her work. As you gather together to mourn her loss and celebrate her life I too shall remember her. My regards,

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