Tante Fifi overleden
It is with great sadness, but the comfort of knowing she is pain-free and at peace, that the family of Sophia ("Fief") Maters (nee Peeters) announce her passing in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 1, 2023 with Tony at her side. Sophia was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on April 10, 1932, the youngest of 11 children of Gerardus and Louise Peeters. Mom was predeceased by her parents; seven brothers and three sisters; as well as their spouses; and by Tony's parents; his sister and two brothers; as well as their spouses. Mom will be forever loved and missed by the love of her life of almost 69 years Tony; three daughters and sons-in-law Louise (Michael) Bohonos, Mary-Ann (Larry) Eirich and Dianne (Kevin) Van Drunen; six grandchildren Christopher, Derek, Janelle, Alana, Jaclyn and Desiree; five great-grandchildren (including twins born a few days after Mom's passing); nieces and nephews in the Netherlands; as well as friends on both sides of the ocean.
Mom and Dad were married in Nijmegen on May 8, 1954. On June 10, 1954, they boarded a plane to Montreal and from there travelled to Regina to bravely begin their life in Canada that has spanned almost 69 years, both receiving their Canadian citizenship on May 15, 1969. Their three daughters were born in 1955, 1957 and 1958, and by the end of 1978 they had joyfully welcomed their three much loved sons-in-law to the family. Mom was especially proud of watching her six grandchildren grow into wonderful adults, and was blessed with great-grandchildren.
Mom and Dad together made several trips back to the Netherlands to visit family over the years, and took many trips to the mountains with family visiting from the Netherlands. Mom enjoyed the numerous trips she and Dad took to Reno and then up the coast to BC, and in later years their short gambling trips to casinos. For many years, following Dad's retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed almost daily swims at the Lawson, where many friendships were made. Mom took great pride in being a homemaker. She enjoyed watching curling and tennis as well as cheering on the Riders, and she was a music lover with a vast music collection. Mom was very talented at cross-stitch and needlepoint. Mom knitted many scarves and toques that she donated to the Cancer Clinic, and her friends, family and even casual acquaintances will miss the wonderful dishcloths she continued to knit into the fall of 2022.
The family thanks the Regina Home Care team, whose assistance over many years enabled Mom to continue to live independently until recently. Gratitude is also expressed to Wascana Rehab and in particular the caring staff of long-term care Unit 2-5, where Mom was able to spend her last few months being close to Dad.
A Private Family Service will be held. Sophia loved animals, so in lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Regina Humane Society or a charity of choice.
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