Maria Philippyntje Hessels (Rie)

Thinking of you all in the loss of your dear mother, with love Margaret Boniface.

My Oma was a very important person to me, I’ll always remember her for her kindness, her independence, her cleverness and of course, her cooking. I have the fondest memories of being at my Oma and Opa’s house for Christmas each year, their home was filled with so much love and warmth. Making oliebollen together in the garage is one of the earliest memories I have with Oma, I am grateful she shared her culture with us - it makes me feel very connected to her and the Netherlands. Shortly I will be in the Netherlands with her sister Miep and niece Marion. We will be visiting the places Oma lived and worked in Amsterdam in her memory, this will be an extremely special experience and one I know Oma would have loved. Thank you for being an excellent role model in my life, you truly did it all. Love always, your granddaughter Sophie.

So sorry for your loss , It would be over 40 years ago that i met Maria when I worked as a Home Aide for the Hospital. She had a lovely manner and was liked by both clients and workers . My thoughts are with you .

Very sorry to hear of your Mum's, Omas passing. She was a lovely gently lady and you will have fond memories of her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love in Christ Isobel KIng
St Andrews Church and Girls Brigade

I fondly remember visiting my Tante Rei, Johnathan, Sarah and I would visit after school, it just so happen to be our halfway point from school to home, as soon as we walked in, Tante Rei would give us both a big hug and she'd say "You know where the biscuits are", and then shed fill us up with endless glasses of apple juice until she was satisfied we were loved up enough to carry on home. At this point she would give us a huge squeezy hug, pinch our cheeks and say "I love lots" My lasting memory of Tante Rei will always be one of empathy and kindness. I am sad that my Lucy and James never got to meet this amazing lady.

Love and sympathy to you all

We are thinking of you at this sad time
Rie was such an amazing friend for Mum
Mum went swimming with her most days while they were still able.
Rie would pick Mum up and drop her off. They had very long conversations either in the car after swimming or on the phone at other times.
They had a real connection.
They discussed family and tried to put the world right.
Rie also helped Mum with mission without borders.
She was a very special lady