Mrs. Joenetha Veronica Thijs nee Rodrigues formerly of Georgetown Guyana, passed away on Thursday June 19, 2008 at the Peter Laugheed Center, Calgary, Alberta at the age of 83 years. Mrs. Joenetha Veronica Thijs is survived by her husband of 61 years William Henry John Thijs.
Eight children - William Henry John Thijs Jr., Juanita Armogan (Rudolph), Juliana Simard, Jem Betschart (Dan), Wilhelm Julio Thijs, Marilyn Thijs-Farnum (Michael), Wenieke Jewel Thijs (Margreeth), Wendell Hugo Thijs.
Twenty grandchildren - Natasha Marie Corlette, William Henry John Thijs 3rd, Adam Sebastian Thijs, Dave Lee, Danielle Simard, Christopher Simard, Ayla Rodney-Simard, Juliana Montaldo (Jose), Stephane Rebecco, Sharron Harris (Bruce), Tracey Armogan, Sina Betschart, Cara Ott-Wilson (Mark), Tara Sawyer (Matt), Jewell Thijs Jr., Desiree Thijs, Ryan Thijs, Quima Greene-Thijs, and Jakobi Greene-Thijs.
Thirteen great-grandchildren - Tyra Leigh Betschart, Elijah Ross Betschart, Payden Ott-Wilson, Lieam Ott-Wilson, Grace Erin Wilson, Emmett Sawyer, Cassidy Sawyer, Quintin Sawyer, Savita Corlette-Estavez, Helix Badard-Thijs, Xavier Simard-Biggs, Dimetrus Thijs-Gislason, Maddison Harris.
Two sisters - Stella Duben and Gloria Duwejan.
Two brothers - Joseph Menz and Albert Rodrigues, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Service for Joenetha Veronica Thijs Relatives was held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (5552 Madigan Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (5552 Madigan Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 10:30 am with The Rev. Long Vu, Presider. Graveside Service was at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
From her children
"Mother, we love you earnestly and sincerely, no words can express the void and pain in our hearts, and in our lives as we cling to the wonderful memories left behind. The understanding, compassion, kindness and love you have always shown to us, will be sorely missed. We love you dearly."