February 11, 1938 – October 31, 2018
Grunthal, Frederika “Rika” (nee Van der Mey) – Passed peacefully at St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas, on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 in her 80th year. Wife of 60 years to Edgar Grunthal, loving mother of Paul, mother-in-law to Lara, and proud Oma of Emily and Montgomery. Eldest sister to the Late Mary (Jerry Bos), Helena (Ton), Cobie (Ralph Skinner), Jack Van der Mey, Edith (Jim Neil) and Nel Van der Mey. Sister-in-law of Evelyn Van der Mey. With her family, she immigrated to Canada in 1953. Rika talked little about the war but always attended Remembrance Day ceremonies to give thanks to those that gave their lives to liberate her homeland. She was a proud Canadian. At the age of 20 she married Ed and settled down in Hamilton to raise a family. Rika, Ed and Paul later moved to Dundas and took full advantage of the town’s hiking trails and conservation areas. Rika is lovingly remembered as an avid gardener, past president of the Hamilton Holland Club, lifeguard and swimming instructor, volunteer at citizenship ceremonies for Immigration and Citizenship Canada, enthusiastic naturalist and traveller, and Dutch Hindeloopen folk art instructor. Special thanks to Dr. Boyd and the staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for their care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas on Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.
In our thoughts and prayers.
Rika will be missed
My thoughts go out to the Grunthal Family with the loss of Frederika. I’ve known her (and Ed) for the enthusiastic involvement in our Hamilton Holland Club Folklore Dancers, The Klompendansers ( from 1981 to 1985). Even if I might have been the instructor, I learned a lot of life’s wisdom from all of the members, including, but foremost from Frederika. I will never forget this. May she rest in peace and have all God’s Blessings! And Frederika, thank you for the dime I found on October 31. Pennies from heaven!
Jan Pothast
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
We always enjoyed Frederika’s stories whenever she was in the office, so full of life!
Our sincere condolences to Edgar, Paul and his family for their loss.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Grunthal family at this difficult time. May all the warm and special memories be a comfort through the days ahead.
Our deepest sympathies to the Grünthal family. Sending our love today and always