May 15, 1934 - October 6, 2024
In loving memory ~
Rita Beertema passed away on Oct. 6, 2024 with her family by her side. Rita was born in Amsterdam Holland May 15, 1934. Immigrated to Hazelton with her husband and two small children in 1966. She worked as a sewing teacher for a bit at the Hazelton high school. With her husband they built the Beertema's Clothing and Appliance store. Rita did the buying for the clothing store and always gave her honest opinion on patron's choices of clothes. She was also known to keep the patrons in line at the Tri Town theatre!
Rita retirement years were spent in Hazelton and winters in Mexico where they made lifelong friends. She was a wonderful seamstress and made many baby blankets.
Rita is survived by her son Peter (Hailey and Luke) and Henny and Kia (Scott and Max). No funeral at Rita's request.
The Old Sewist
Hands too shaky,
eyes too weak,
The final acceptance,
the reality bleak.
No longer able to stitch
with fabric and thread.
The sewing room got packed up
and here's what she said,
"This room gave such solace as
I sewed at this desk.
Here's where I created,
let my soul have its rest.
So I'll pack up the remnants,
pass them on to others.
Perhaps a retiree or some
thrifty new mothers."
As I helped,
packing up her old life,
I looked at each item
with wide open eyes.
Don't hoard that fabric or
delay projects too long.
Bring joy with your crafting
before the end of your song.