Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2016 Wadena Community Legion Hall Wadena, Saskatchewan Netta Aredina Hendrika Koopmans was born on June 13, 1926 to Pieter and Blandina Koopmans in Harderwyk, Holland. She was born the fifth child of seven. Netta took her education in Holland where she worked as a dental assistant for her cousin and also, taught Phys. Ed. Netta spent 5 years in the 2nd World War. She met the love of her life, Lawrence Dawe in 1945 in Holland where he was serving as a Canadian soldier. Lawrence returned to Canada in 1946. Netta came to Canada on the Waterman Boat as a war bride on June 26, 1947. She landed in Montreal and then went by train to Winnipeg, where Lawrence was waiting for her. The two of them travelled by train to Invermay to meet Lawrence’s brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Ruby. Netta and Lawrence were married on July 14, 1947 at the Wadena Baptist Church. Together they sponsored 13 of Netta’s family members to come to Canada. When they arrived in March of 1948, all 13 members lived with Netta and Lawrence until they were able to get established. To Netta and Lawrence's union, three children were born, George, Blandina and Kathy. Netta and Lawrence farmed Northeast of Wadena until 1954 at which time they moved into Wadena, so that their son George could attend school. Netta worked at the Wadena Bakery for many years as well as at the School Unit Office as custodian. She attended the Wadena United Church, sang in the choir and was the president of the HOPE unit. Netta loved to garden, knit and play cards. In the summertime, Netta and her neighbours enjoyed going for bike rides to check out all the “hot spots” around town. Netta was predeceased by: her father, Pieter Koopmans in July, 1968; her mother Blandina (Van Doorman) Koopmans in November, 1970; her husband Lawrence Dawe on August 11, 1976; her brothers Dirk on March 15, 1936 (Netta was only 9 years old), Hennie on September 15, 1997 and Johannis in 2006; her sister Teeny on May 13, 2002 and one infant grandson, George Dawe in May, 1976. Netta is survived by: her two sisters, Alyda Brink of Nanaimo, B.C. and Alie Denie of Saskatoon, SK; her son, GEORGE (Rita) Dawe; grandson Milton (Jennifer) Dawe, great-grandchildren, Mackenzie (Michael), Noah, Colby, Hallee & Jordyn; grandson, Jason (Michelle) Dawe, great-grandchild, Blake: her daughter, BLANDINA (Bob) Pilkey; granddaughter Gaylene (Michael) Gorniak, great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jonathan & Jonah, granddaughter, Glennalda (Jody) Saam, great-grandchildren, Austin, Dallan & Brooklyn: her daughter, KATHY (Elmer) Hrynchyshyn; granddaughter, Kendra (Chris) Simon, granddaughter, Teneil (Travis) Fogg, great-grandchildren, Ryley, Kole, Cooper & Kade, grandson, Jeffrey (Megan) Hrynchyshyn, great-grandchild, Arthur, grandson, Joseph (Keisha) Hrynchyshyn, great-grandchildren, Hayden & Harlee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Netta will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends. We love you Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma (Oma), Tante (Auntie) and a very dear friend. Memories of Grandma Our grandma (Oma) was truly one of a kind. The memories we have of her are dear to our hearts and filled with laughter and love. Growing up, grandma was truly a remarkable woman to all of us. She worked tirelessly from day to night at her job and to make her house a home and the best place to visit. Whenever you stopped by at grandma’s a warm pot of tea and a plate full of cookies would be ready to greet you. She made the best meatball soup and made sure everyone had the same amount of meatballs in their bowls so no fighting occurred. She also made the tastiest “mouse poop” sandwiches which were a favorite treat for many of us. When you stayed over with grandma you could count on ending the day with stories that ended with a “great big elephant blowing the whole story away” and having tea in bed every morning. We had special little cups for our tea which often contained more milk and sugar than tea. While sitting and drinking tea, grandma would share stories about her life in Holland and how her family survived in the war. Those stories helped us understand what a truly brave and strong woman our grandmother was. Grandma was a very active lady. She could always be counted on to look after us when needed. She watched us take swimming lessons and attended all our school events. Grandma gave the best airplane rides well into her sixties. Although she never drove a car, her bicycle allowed her the freedom to get around town into her seventies. She loved to go for walks and be outside in her garden. Even when she moved to the lodge, she would still walk the halls to get her steps in. The great grandchildren loved to catch a ride on grandma’s walker and sneak jelly beans from her container or pocket. One of our favorite pastimes with grandma was playing cards. She was always ready to “beat” us at canasta, thirty-one, skip-bo, school and crib. Grandma was a fierce competitor who did not take it easy on any of us when playing cards. She may have even taught a few of us how to “cheat” without being caught. As we grew up, she included our spouses and children into this ritual. Spending hours visiting and playing together was one of her favorite things to do. Grandma had the best sense of humour. She was a blunt Dutch woman who spoke what was on her mind. She did not hold back if she didn’t like your haircut or thought you needed to step up and do something. However, she was great at teasing and sharing laughter and jokes about her “boyfriends” and “wrinkles”. Grandma always had a smile on her face and time to laugh. She also always made time to listen to each of us. As we grew up, she loved getting phone calls from us about our lives. She listened intently and gave the best advice. She was proud of each of us and how we have grown up and made lives of our own. She shared her faith, love and laughter with us for ninety years. Although, these are just a few of many memories, we are so blessed to have had this amazing woman in our lives to call grandma. Enjoy biking around heaven and seeing the sites with grandpa. We love you Oma may you rest in peace.