With heaviness of heart we announce the passing of our cherished Mom, Oma & Sister, Aleida Venema, in her 94th year.

Predeceased by her parents, Cornelia Leeuw-Ruiter and Bartle Ruiter; her husband of 57 years, John (2014); and her son Paul Isaac (2024). Loving mother of Janet, Michael (Lori), Monique (Dave), Marion (Keith), and Robert (Katherine). Dear sister of Coby and Lucia. Predeceased by Bartle, Arie, and Antonia. Loving grandmother of Darrin (Brooke), Thomas, Fiona (Dylan), Matthew (Dakota), Dylan (Michelle), Jessica, Esther, Luke (Sara), Rachel (Darcy), Brent (Christine), Isaiah, Ben, Emily (Braydon), and Curtis. Great grandmother of Lola, Duke, Lainey, Hudson, and Abby.

Aleida grew up in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Like most Dutch families, her family struggled greatly during the war, experiences that she did not speak of often. After World War II ended, she set her sights on new horizons. She worked at a resort in France for a season, then in Denmark as an au pair. She then went on to Hempstead England, where she worked as a cook for a retired General and his wife. It was there that she perfected her English and took stenography courses, practicing while listening to the radio. While in England, she attended a Billy Graham Crusade in London and on April 13, 1954, she committed her heart and life to Christ. She deeply treasured her memories adventuring through Europe as a young woman.

In pursuit of a new adventure in June of 1956, at 24, she sailed via the Ryndam to New York and then by train to Windsor, Canada, where she had a job waiting at the Windsor Board of Health as a stenographer. While there, she met her future husband, John. They were married in June of 1957 and focused on raising a family shortly thereafter.

Aleida always made a cozy home and was an exceptional whole foods cook. The house filled with the smell of fresh bread every week (not to mention her meatballs and chicken soup!) She managed the administrative side of John’s Sign and Graphic Art business as well and could type with two fingers at amazing speed. She also volunteered in church activities within the Pentecostal Church (Crusaders).

She loved to knit, sew, play scrabble, and swim and could do mental math at the drop of a hat. She really enjoyed classical music and could name the composer and piece after hearing just a few bars. Aleida had a playful and witty sense of humour and her laughter was hearty and contagious. Above all, she loved her children and grandchildren and treasured her family gatherings. Her absence will be grieved by those who loved and cherished her.

Visitation will be held at Holland Christian Homes, 7900 McLaughlin Rd., Brampton, ON, L6Y 5A7 in Harmony Hall (enter the complex through the doors beside the Duca Bank) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 12 noon to 1pm, where sandwiches and refreshments will be provided. The memorial service will begin at 1pm. It will be immediately followed by a private graveside interment at 2pm and a family-only gathering thereafter.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to family and friends for the love and support during their time of grief. Thank you to the incredible staff at the Elginwood Extendicare Facility for their gentle care and deep kindness in Aleida’s final two months.

The LORD will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8.




Please note: The order flowers feature on this website is not available. If in your heart, flowers can be sent to Holland Christian Homes, 7900 McLaughlin Rd., Brampton, ON, L6Y 5A7.