Johanna M. Breman nee Schuyt

January 15, 1918 – December 25, 2023 

The family of Johanna (fondly known as Ans or Tante Ans by dear friends and relatives) sadly announce that our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning ending her struggle with dementia and freeing her to rest.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Tom (1980), her parents, siblings, and numerous friends. She is survived by her sons Tom (Wendy) and Robert (Robin); her grandchildren Ian, Adam, and Christiaan (partner Kayla); her great-grandchildren Trevor, Alex and newborn Henry; and step-granddaughter Shantall (Adam McFee) and their children.

It is difficult to provide a meaningful synopsis of a life that spanned 105 years, 11 months and 10 days. Those who knew her, know she had a life well lived and that she enjoyed her life immensely. She touched everyone’s heart in meaningful ways. A remarkable woman, a loyal friend with a kind heart, and fiercely independent.

Mom and dad married on July 12, 1946, and then immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1953, settling in Winnipeg on Arnold St. They resided there for a short while and Tom was born. On July 1, 1957, they moved into the family home in North Kildonan on Roch St. and soon after Robert was born. Mom stayed in the family home after dad passed until June of 2000 when she decided it was becoming too much and she moved into her Edgewood Estates apartment. She resided in the apartment on her own until reaching the age of 103 in 2021. Shortly after she had a fall resulting in a trip to the hospital. An assessment there determined that mom could no longer live on her own. The family found her a residence in the Donwood Manor PCH, keeping her in the neighbourhood she had always lived in.

When dad became sick (Parkinson’s) and could no longer work, mom went to work. In addition to work, she raised her two sons, looked after the house and meals, and cared for her husband. She always made sure that we had what we needed and even some extras. When dad passed and the boys were on their own, she made several trips back to Holland. She travelled to many places with her car like Yellowstone, Lake Louise, and even went on a cruise even though she said she would never ever set foot on another ship after her experience with the Atlantic crossing in 1953 where she was sick for the entire crossing. This time she enjoyed it.

She enjoyed knitting, especially making dishcloths for everyone. She enjoyed playing bingo while at Edgewood Estates with her new friends the “bingo ladies”. Earlier on, she was an avid 5-pin bowler, winning awards and had several perfect games. Later, she joined a church and the church choir where she enjoyed singing hymns. The family enjoyed many years of seasonal camping at West Hawk Lake and Toniata Beach. They travelled with their trailer to B.C. and to Montreal several times. She loved her car and continued to drive until age 93 when she voluntarily decided it was time to let someone else drive her around.

As she was kind to others, others were kind to her helping her out while she lived on her own. The family gives heartfelt thanks to special family friend Ria, who provided countless hours of support, companionship and love helping to keep mom in her own place for as long as possible. Also, sincere thank you’s to the nurses, aides and staff of Donwood PCH, first floor North and 2 South for the care they so compassionately and tirelessly provided to mom while she resided there. The family was secure in the knowledge that mom was being well cared for.

Cremation has taken place. The family will inter mom’s ashes next to dad’s in a private family gathering.

Mother always gave to charities, favourites were; Winnipeg Humane Society, Siloam Mission, Cancer Care and, The Salvation Army. Please consider donating to one of these in her memory.

Mom/Oma, we love you and we miss you. We are happy for you knowing that you are now free and at peace.