Obituary of Bertie Smolders

After a short and courageous battle with cancer, Hubertina “Bertie” Smolders passed away at Strathroy Middlesex Hospital on October 15, 2023 at the age of 68.  Wife of the late Peter Smolders (2016), and pre-deceased by her son Iwan Smolders (2021), loving mother of Frances (Larry) Sikkema, and Hanneke.  Mother-in-law to Sonia Freiter.  She was also proud Oma to Sebastian, Sadie, Cody, and Katrina.   

Bertie was born in 1955 in Maarheeze, the Netherlands.  Family was always at the forefront for her, first her large family of brothers and sisters, and then her own kids and grandkids.  She was a devoted wife that always put family first, moving to Canada in 1993 to support Peter’s dreams to build a better life for the family.  They quickly created a group of friends and support, who continued to be a source of strength for her until her final days.  The last years spent in Alvinston were some of her best, she found community in Alvinston and was immensely proud of her home where the doors were always open for coffee and a game of Rummikub.           

A strong woman that never gave up, a mom, friend, wife, sister, and Oma that was loved and loved her family and friends.  She will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 19, 2023, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. A funeral service will follow at 2:30pm at the funeral home. Burial to follow at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Alvinston.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation.  We are grateful for the staff at both the Hospital and Country Manor Estates for the care and love showed to mom in her final days.