Gezina Maria (Ena) Rietveld (nee Endhoven)

Born July 16, 1946, died October 23, 2023. Survived by Henk, her husband of 52 years, her daughters Judith (grandkids: Shawheen, Shahab, Keyhan, Helena and Maryeh), and Tanya. Also her stepmother, Tineke Endhoven, and her siblings: Rita Vanderburg, Nellie van Donkersgoed, Thea Ouwehand, Tony Endhoven. Predeceased by her Father, Mother, and brother, Martin.

Ena came to Canada from Holland with her family in 1952. She grew up in various communities, but Beaverton stood out in her memories. The family moved to Fort William (now Thunder Bay), then to Brockville.

Ena’s parents were both teachers, and she inherited a lifelong yearning for learning.

First came a Registered Laboratory Technologist diploma, but, after getting married and having a child, jobs were scarce. Her husband’s career took them to Whitney, and then Huntsville. While raising two daughters and managing a household,  she completed a B.A. in Psychology via correspondence from the University of Waterloo, followed by a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. Ena loved teaching. First as an EA at Huntsville Public, then, when she got her degree, teaching special ed at Pine Glen and Riverside.

In later life, quilting became her passion, and she was recognized for her skill and mentorship.

In the midst of all that, Ena was a committed feminist, fantastic mother, handwork specialist, knitter, seamstress, daycare provider, teacher, avid gardener, canner, cook, designer…and family conscience.

Our thanks to the caregivers from Closing the Gap and Paramed. Our special thanks to Nurse Rena, and Drs. Fiorotto and Dufour.

Donations to Huntsville Hospice would be appreciated.