Dearest Mieke,,we love you and will miss you immensely and will always carry you in our hearts
LORENZ, MIEKE, passed suddenly at RVH Barrie ON on January 21, 2022 at the age of 88. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care of both the doctor and nurses assigned to her that night in the ER. Mieke was verbally appreciative of their professionalism, care and friendliness and in the short time the nurses took care of her, they noted her strong spirit.
Mieke’s bravery and resilience was evident throughout her life. Born in Rotterdam Holland in 1933, as a young woman, Mieke set out on her own and emigrated to Canada in the 1950’s leaving family behind but not forgotten.
She became employed at the CBC and was a visual researcher for the TV program the Nature of Things with David Suzuki. Mieke was astute and proficient in the technology at that time. Being able to employ her love of nature brought her much joy in her career.
Mieke gave birth to her beloved son Bruce in 1962. She had many challenges as a single mother after her divorce but that too didn’t stop her. She loved her son Bruce immensely and always stood by his side.
Mieke was strong spirited and lived her life to the fullest. She loved to read and to continually learn and grow. In the past Mieke enjoyed time with Bruce and her family at her lovely cottage in the Muskoka’s were they had great times together. She also enjoyed her many trips back to Holland to visit her beloved family and brother Tom and yearly vacations to Aruba as well as trips. Mieke always engaged and enjoyed new adventures.
In 1995 she was sent by CBC to the Netherlands for the 50th anniversary of WWII to report on the tribute paid by the Netherlands during the parade with many Canadian veterans who were present and who fought to liberate the Netherlands. This was a highlight for her, being a child of war herself.
When Mieke started to lose her vision near her retirement, she did not let that slow her down but met the challenge head on with determination. Mieke used her proficiency in technology and continued learning. She utilized so many of the tools provided by the CNIB to live independently with her loyal dogs Tasha, Kayla and recently Tanner throughout her retirement.
She continued to stay active in the vision impaired community bowling, attending concerts and other adventures. She continued her love of reading by audio book.
Mieke enjoyed going on many cruises to the Caribbean, but one of her favourites was a beloved cruise to the Greek Islands. She would use her remaining senses to enjoy her experiences and said she could “see” the ocean in her memories and loved its smell and the salt in the air.
Although heartbroken with the recent loss of her beloved Bruce, she continued living the way she always had through other hardships, with tenacity and the love and support of close friends and family. Mieke continued living her life the best she could despite COVID and it’s restrictions.
Mieke’s sudden passing and absence has left many holes in many hearts and a trail of tears. Although heartbroken, we do our best to remember her and hold the blessing of knowing her in our hearts and our memories.
Mieke is survived by her loving brother Tom Smits and her sisters Anneke Smits and Josee Peters from Holland. She was predeceased by her sister Wies of Toronto. She will be greatly missed by her nieces Monique Engelenburg-Smits, Yvonne Smits, Chantal Smits, Angelique van der Heiden, Maartje Peters and Iris Gaerthe of Toronto, ON. She was great aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many close friends, some who were like family and many more whose lives she touched and her beloved dog Tanner.
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Wildlife Federation or to the Cardiac Renal Unit at RVH in Barrie.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will take place at St Mary's Catholic Church (65 Amelia Street, Barrie) on Saturday March 19th, 2022 at 10:00am. Following the service the interment of ashes will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Alliston. A reception will take place in Barrie following the Internment of ashes.
Dearest Mieke you are now back with your beloved son Bruce and our mother whom we talked a lot about and who was always in our minds. She watches over us now. Dear Mieke God will surely receive you with open arms. Your brother Tom
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