Enga (birth name Engeltje) was born on August 20, 1933, in Garyp, Friesland (The Netherlands). She was the second of nine children to Aagje van der Sluis and Bouwe Hooyenga. As one of the older children, she stopped going to school when she was 12 and started to work on a farm. In July 1952, the Hooyenga family immigrated to Canada, landing initially in Halifax before starting their Canadian lives in Holland Marsh.

Enga met her life partner, Meindert, while accompanying her sister Winnie to a church function. They married in 1956 in Brampton at a time when weddings in the Dutch Christian Reformed community happened on a weekly basis. It was this community that she was part of the rest of her life. And it was this man that she loved dearly, missing him every day after he died in 1991.

Enga and Meindert had five children: John, Robert, Agnes, Fred, and Jim. All were named after parents and siblings. And even though this naming convention often caused the kids some frustration, it was one of many traditions that Enga and Meindert took comfort and pride in. They had a strong sense of responsibility and duty that shaped who they were and how they raised their children.

Enga will be remembered for her kindness and having a big heart. Throughout the years, she helped out her community, volunteering countless hours at CrossPoint Church, Holland Christian Homes, and the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store. Her generosity has been felt by many, including those who wear the hats, mittens and slippers that she knit.

Mom/Oma/big Beppe loved and took care of her family. Wherever she lived, her home was the hub for family gatherings. She was always there for us with peppermints and dropjes, a warm meal, a hug, and lots of stories. She had a great sense of humour and gave us some classic one-liners. But above all, she was a source of strength, and was a constant in our lives - we could always rely on her to be there for us.

We know mom is no longer suffering and has been reunited with dad. We are truly blessed to have had her in our lives, and will carry her with us in our hearts and minds. We love you mom, so so much.

Siblings: George, Jim, Winnie, Bert, Tom, Helen, Henry (decd), Peter (decd)
Children: John, Robert, Agnes, Fred, Jim
Grandchildren: Alaina, Laureen, Carolyn, Aaron, Jason, Linda, Tyler, Caryn
Great grandchildren: Leah, Emily, Claire, Chloe, Ethan