REINDERS, Aaltje (Alice/Aly) (Fluit)

The Lord in His mercy took our Mother and Oma to Himself on April 17, 2026. Born on July 10, 1929 to Geert Fluit and Jentje Kruidhof in Koekange, Drenthe, The Netherlands. Alice lived a life marked by courage, strength, and devotion. On February 16, 17 and 18, 1951 Alice married Hank Reinders in a unique three-day celebration: a town hall ceremony, followed by a reception, and culminating in a church blessing. Their children could never pinpoint the exact date of their wedding anniversary, adding a touch of family lore to their story. Shortly after their wedding, the couple immigrated to Canada, building a new life rooted in faith and family. Alice and Hank shared 73 loving years together until his passing in June 2024. Alice was a cherished Mother and Oma to 8 children, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren (plus a new great grandchild expected in Summer 2026). She is lovingly remembered by: Children: Jean (George †2005), Rose (Ron †2014), Keith (†2023), Gerry (Nancy), Fran (Rob), Ron (Marion), Marilyn (Murray), and Joy. Grandchildren: Cheryl (Eric), Alisa (Tim), Jay, Bethany (Justin), Thomas (Alyssa), Preston (Kelsey), Chad (Jesska), Shane (Kalynn), Chelsea (Joel), Scott (Lindsay), Carly, and Krystle (Phil). Great-grandchildren: Bel, Liv, Imogen, Axel, Eden, Madelaine, Owen, Miles, Levi, Rhett, Laiken, Calvin, Henrik, Heidi, Noa, and Hughie. As the oldest of seven daughters, Alice is survived by her sisters Henny (Werner) and Trijntje (Jan) in The Netherlands. She was predeceased by sisters Gees (Roel), Gerda (Gezinus), Jantje (Hendrikus), and Jentje (Minze). Alice is also survived by her brother-in-law Joop and his wife Willy. She was predeceased by in-laws Nies (Jan), Ge (Jan), Marie (Stoffer), Egbert (Wietske), Freek (Jantje), Freda (Frank and Martin), Max (Riek), and Jantje (Henk and Dirk). Alice was 11 years old when WWII started; her parents and an uncle who lived with them were deeply involved in the Dutch Resistance. The farm they lived on was called ‘t Melkarregien and it was known as a safe place for resistance fighters and Jewish people. Guns and messages were filtered through the farm. Alice would sometimes be instructed to get her bicycle and go to a certain location to meet up with friends. She had strict instructions not to look into the bags hanging over the rear tire of her bike. If she got to ride the ‘new’ bicycle it meant that it was a longer trip and she would be staying overnight. Alice was 16 years old when the war ended, leaving an indelible mark on her resilient spirit. Alice found joy in knitting, crocheting, sewing, and crafting clothes for her younger children. She was always ready to lend a hand or share a cup of coffee or tea and home baking with friends and loved ones. A service to celebrate our Mother will be held on May 29, 2026 at 11:00am in the Drayton Christian Reformed Church, 88 Main Street East Drayton, Ontario. The family also invites you to join us for a visit and/or a light lunch following the service from 12:30 to 3:00pm in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Drayton Community Christian School or Palmerston Hospital Foundation. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Royal Terrace in Palmerston for their exceptional care and compassion. Arrangements entrusted to the Heritage Funeral Home, Drayton.        

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