Arnolda Hofstede-Berendsen
25 August 1894 ~ 12 July 1986
Johannes Hendrikes Hofstede
6 January 1896 ~ 12 June 1928
I have never known my grandfather, he died when my father was 4 years old leaving my grandmother alone with 3 little children. It is unbelievable but he died of an ear infection. My grandfather was a quiet man who earned his living as a carpenter. Times were different in 1928 and certainly not easy.
My grandmother was a strong and very proud woman and when she became a widow at 34 years old she managed, with the help of her family, to bring up her 3 children while running her own business. She never remarried and when we joked about finding her a husband she always smiled and said " Oh.., no, not for me".
I remember her as a very compassionate woman, gentle and loving to her children and grandchildren. She lived next door to us and was always there when we needed her, she was like a second mother to us. I feel privileged that I was named after her and that I had the opportunity to spend so much time with her listening to her stories full of humour and wisdom.
She loved her garden and could enjoy all the simple things in life so much. Although she had felt rebellious at times, in her heart she said "when I look back at my life I have to confess that my life has been blessed by God". She was 93 years old when she said goodbye to us and was reunited with her husband Johan.
Her last message to us was:
"Remember me and be good to each other"