Surrounded by her loving family, Maria “Riet” Wilhelmina (Giesen) in her 93rd year, passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House Hospice on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry (2019) with whom she shared 61 wonderful years. She will be sadly missed by her children, Frank and Janet, Vincent and Monica, Henry and Brenda, Marlene, Andrew and Sharon, Marc and Cheryl. Loving Oma of Curtis (Katie), Carly (Michael), Harrison (Marly), Nicole (Joe), Kristen (Andrew), Laura (Cam), Jared (Tina), Adam, Emily, Matthew (Jordan), Connor, and Brenna (Eric). Proud Great Oma of her special great grandchildren, Adelaine, Claire, Noella, Everleigh, Delilah and Howie.
Dear sister of Jan (Truus), Toos (Jan), Annie (Bertus), Harrie (late Marian), Geert (Annie),Frans (Marietje), Tonnie (Annie), Fons (Ada), Tineke (Martien), and Jose (Hein). Dear sister-in-law of Jeane (late Bill), Josephine (late Friet), Wilhelmine (late Wim), Leny (late Frans) and Gonnie (late Anthony). Predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mientje (late Antoon), Trees (late Theo) and Albert. Riet will be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours both in Canada and the Netherlands for her generous spirit and welcoming heart.
A gracious and tireless hostess, she always had the coffee on and something homemade ready to share. She took great pride in her beautiful knitting and crocheting, gifts she lovingly created for her family and her community. Riet also found joy in tending her garden, playing pepper, and was well known for her homemade soups and comforting home-cooked meals that were shared generously with family and friends.
A special thank you to Dr. Lam, the staff and volunteers at Jessica’s House Hospice for the exceptional care Mom received during her stay.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday January 16th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Precious Blood Church, 200 Sanders Street West, Exeter on Saturday January 17th at 10 AM with Father Anthony Lobo presiding. Private family interment at Exeter Cemetery to follow.
A recording of Riet’s Funeral Mass will be available on Saturday afternoon by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Memorial donations to Jessica’s House Hospice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Hans J. Winters
Dear Family,
Our sincere condolences with the loss of your mother, Grand mother and Great Grand mother. We wish you all strength for the period to come and may you all have good memories with her. Our prayers are with you all.
Hans, Christine, Toni and Simon
Winters, The Hague
Susan Mcclure
I grew up with Mrs. Winters down the road actually, spent many hours singing in the choir with her and Mr. Winter. My condolences to her family. She will be missed
Janet Kinsman Bilcke
To the
A truly gracious & classy lady she was.
Always had an amazing smile & time to say hello!
What a beautiful tribute 👼🪽
RIP Riet💜
Janet & John
Wilma Verheij
Dear family,
Our condolences with the loss of your mother and grandmother on behalf of the family Verheij Steenderen. We all have such a strong and nice memories of tante Riet. We know her of the many times she came over to visit Holland as a brave and strong woman with clear opinions and interests in other people In oktober 2002 I was lucky to stay a couple days with Riet and Harry in Exeter and we did fun things together, which I will always remember.
Wishing you all the strength you need to overcome this loss. We will never forget your mother.
Wilma, Willy, Henk, René Verheij and their partners
Cindy Fisher Bailey
To the Winters family
I so very sorry to read about the loss of your Mom. I did not know her but I do know she raised great kids
May she rest in peace
Condolences to you all
Madeleine Debackere
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. May she rest in peace.
Scott and Arlene Thomson
Our sincere condolences to the family on your loss.
Peter Hakvoort
My sincere condolences to the Winters family for your loss. I was so fortunate to have gotten to know Riet over the many years. As you know, Riet & Harry were good friends of my parents. There was the “Dutch” connection and my affiliation with Huron Tractor but what I appreciated the most was that Riet treated me as an extension of her own family. She always took a keen interest in my well being. She will be greatly missed.
Maureen Atkinson
May your memories bring comfort at this sad time
Sincere sympathy
Joe & Bonnie Hotson
Dear Marlene & the Winters families
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Angelique Giesen
Dear family Winters,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother, our tante Riet. We’ll be missing her, but she will remain in our memories.
She was a lovely aunt and sister.
Warmest regards, ome Jan, tante Truus, Marian, Marcel, Christine, André, Angelique and kids
Charlie and Gina Wise
Our sympathies to your family. We wish you comfort in your memories of your Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.
Karen & Mark Tuckey
To the Winters family
We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Wouter Giesen
Dear Frank, Vincent, Henri, Marlene, Andrew, Mark and dear families,
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Aunt Riet.
From childhood onward, it was always something special when Harry and Riet came to visit. We cherish the warm memories of her visit last year, and she will remain in our hearts with affection.
We wish you strength and togetherness in the days ahead.
With warm regards,
Wouter, Jalou, Yoek and Fenne Giesen
Cathy Batten
To The Winters Family
My condolences to each of you at this sad time. A wonderful lady she was. Treasure the Special Memories you all have of her. Thinking of you all & sending hugs.
Cathy
Juluanne Varley
To all of the Winters family,
I was saddened to hear of Riet’s passing. Mom and dad shared it with me yesterday. They sure had some good times with your mom and dad, especially in Florida. The coffee will be brewing in heaven. I can visualize Reit and Harry sipping away, looking down upon you all with big smiles full of pride and admiration.
Thinking of you all,
Julianne
Frank Kints
My sincere condolences to the family on the passing of a lovely woman.
Brenda Jones
Frank and Janet
Sincere condolences
Brend Jones
Tom and Lynn Tordoff
Dear Henry, Brenda and Winters family. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Keeping you in our prayers.
Tom and Lynn Tordoff and family
Rose Brittain
To all the family sorry for your loss, hold your memories close they are forever
Joan Heywood
To The Entire Winters Families:
My sincere condolences on the passing of a very special lady. The Heywoods have wonderful memories of the Winter families. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Will be thinking of everyone in the days ahead with lots of hugs. 💕💕
Tony Giesen
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I always remember Riet as an upbeat and loyal person with a heart of gold. Our prayers are with your family. Tony Giesen and Barbara Arcese
Jerry , Linda & Craig Traquair
Condolences on the passing of a great lady. We came to know Riet and Harry when Jerry began his Huron Tractor career 35 years ago. He was very impressed with the speed at which Riet could set up and serve at a lunch table ; the kindness of both Riet and Harry in sharing Olliebollen and Florida oranges with their staff, etc. Always so thoughtful and kind. The legacy lives on in their wonderful family. Wishing you all the Peace that comes with a life well-lived and loved.
Sincerely,
Jerry & Linda Traquair & family
Rob Giesen
Dear Vincent, Marlene, Frank, Andrew, Henri, Mark and dear families,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother.
Wishing you strength, love and courage.
John and Linda Wuerth
Frank Janet and Winter Family
So sorry to hear about your mother. John and I send our deepest sympathy. Your mother was such a lovely friendly lady. Cherish your memories.
Peter Duenk
Frank & Janet and the entire Winters Family,
Our sincere condolence on the loss of your mother. Riet was a strong and wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Peter and Karen Duenk
Sophia Gocan
To the Winter’s Family,
We send you our sincere condolences at your loss. Riet was cherished by all who know her and she will be deeply missed! Her smile, kindness and generous heart stays with us. We will remember her fondly.
XO Sending warmth and hugs to all of you.
Georgette Giesen and Sophia, Nigel, Allison, Bronwyn and Kiara Gocan
Monique van Schriek
Dear Frank, Vincent, Henri, Marlene, Andrew, Mark and dear families,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother (in law) and (great-)grandmother.
We remember Aunt Riet as a strong, intelligent, and warm woman.
Emigrating back then wasn’t easy. Together with Uncle Harrie, she built a future for their family in Canada. They were happy there, but their ties to the Netherlands remained. Through letter writing, phone calls and FaceTime, the siblings kept each other updated.
Last year, she and Marlene visited the Netherlands on her beloved Rozenpas. Her Dutch family was very much looking forward to this visit and talked about it for a long time afterwards.
She will be deeply missed.
We wish you much strength.
Love,
Bertus, Annie,
Karin, Eric,
Marco, Gerlinde,
Hayko and Monique
Marieke & Edwin Peters
We wish the family much strength in these difficult times.
Our sincere condolences.
Monique Winters
Dear children, grandchildren and other loved one,
My sister Jacqueline en I wish you much strength in coping with the loss of your mother and grandmother. We wish you a beautiful funeral filled with found memories. Our thought are with you. Much love and strength. Lieve groet Jacqueline en Monique
Joyce & Frank Maas
Frank & Janet, and the Winters Family,
Sending our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Joyce & Frank Maas
Tim Hamather
Sending sincere condolences to the entire Winters’ family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. ♥️
Tim & Maria Hamather
Don and Brenda Triebner
To the Winters family,
So sorry to hear about Riet. She was an amazing woman, heck of a card player and an awesome story teller. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Margaret Prout
My sincere condolences to all Riet’s fiamily. We had enjoyed many coffee chats in the gazebo. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Andrea Maier
Our condolences to the whole family on the loss of your Oma. Keeping you in our thoughts.
Andrea & Paul, Garret & Felicia, Colleen and Ben
Gerard & Judy Grenier
My sincere condolences to the Winters family.
Nicole & Jake Stephens
Frank, Janet, and the entire Winters family:
Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your Oma. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed. We’ll be keeping your family in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Murray Armstrong
Our condolences to Frank and Janet, Vince and Monika and the Winters Families.
Lori and Murray
Sheila Doucet
Dear Henry, Brenda and Winter family our sincere condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Hugs and kisses Peter Sheila and kids
Marlene Moore
To all the family , I have been honoured to know and be a friend to Riet . She gave me guidance (as I was a young mom ) , our children went to Precious Blood School and we belonged to the school PTA with our husbands.We had great fun singing in the Precious Blood Church choir(especially enjoying the cards , treats and libations after practices.) We shared long conversations over coffee and sweets of course , as we planned church fund raisers.I remember my favourite , was the building of a home that we raffled.Vince ,you taught me how to put on trim !!Riet was a active CWL member of Precious Blood Church and we acknowledged her wisdom as a active parishioner . We shared a love of flowers and I enjoyed the peony plants she passed on to me.She will be missed by many .A friend and admirer Marlene Moore
RIP
Wies Bergsma /Ton Steenhuis and Agnes Bergsma/ Willem Sibon
Dear Winters family, we wish you much strength with the loss of your dear mother and grandmother and our aunt.
Barb O'Rourke
Frank, Janet, Henry, Brenda, Marlene and the Winters family
I send my sincerest condolences. Always remember Riet’s infectious smile
Anne Snider
Dear Henry, Brenda, and family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love Anne & Anne Snider and family ❤️
Liz Campbell
To the entire Winters Family
Sending our condolences for the loss of your Mom/Grandma. She lived a great life, may she rest in peace now.
Liz Campbell (Giffin) and the Giffin family.
Dianne and Bill Dietrich
To the Winters family,
With sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom. She and your dad raised a wonderful family. Their legacy will live on in all of you. Memories are your treasures.
Dianne and Bill Dietrich
Sandra & Larry Hern
We extend our sincere condolences to all of Riet’s family.
She was such a lovely lady that we were privileged to know for over 50 years. Her kindness and friendly manner whenever we were together will never be forgotten. Riet and Harry were quite a team and may it give you peace to know they are together again.
Drew Hasselback
Frank and Janet, Vincent and Monica, Henry and Brenda, Marlene, Andrew and Sharon, Marc and Cheryl — much love to you all.
Your mother was never just Mrs. Winters to me, but a beloved friend who was always there for my Mom and Dad, and for Scott and me.
Carolyn, Thomas and I have you in our thoughts for these next difficult days.
God bless,
Drew
Rick and Marilyn Vandenbussche
To the Winters family, our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. Thinking of you in the days ahead.
René Damen en Claudia Roordink
Familie Winters,
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van tante Riet.
Wij wensen jullie veel sterkte met het verwerken van dit verlies.
Mary Ellen Finlayson
To the entire Winters family,
Thinking of you during the loss of a great neighbour. She had such a fantastic smile. Would have a quick chat with her when she would be working along her little garden along the side of her house. She will be reunited with your dad which will bring you all such comfort.
Mary Ellen, Mark, Jack and Sam
Finlayson
Marian Bergsma dochter van tante Lies en Marians echtgenoot Albert
Heel veel sterkte met het verwerken van het verlies van deze sterke vrouw onze tante.
Alice and Jerry MacLean
Hugs to the Winters Family,
We have had the pleasure of knowing your family for many years.
Riet was one of a kind! We enjoyed her and Harry as our close neighbour in Florida.. Coffee parties in the morning and card parties several nights(or afternoon),always lots of stories to be told as well as good clean jokes and chuckles were endless!
They were truly missed when they left Niagara Cres. In MapleLeaf!
Luckily for us we continued on with cards and coffee back here in Exeter with Reit and Harry,
Family…you have all been blessed to have had Riet for a mother….she was one of the best,who loved each and everyone with all her heart!Smile when you think of her and hear her name…Riet would love that…she will be smiling back to you!
Wes Hodgson
My Sincere Condolences to the Winters Family with the loss of Rory she was a Special Lady and Christine always enjoyed spending time with her and her wisdom that they shared together
John and Tracy Van Gerwen
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you following the loss of your mom. She was a special lady. We have so many wonderful memories of our time together “back in the day” and wish you all peace and comfort as you celebrate her life. Sending our deepest sympathy,
Betty Litt
Deepest sympathy & heartfelt thoughts are with your family as you celebrate the beautiful life & memories of your Mother; a very special lady & good friend while we lived in Exeter.
Our family treasures time spent with your Mom & Dad as you grew up & then worked together… God bless…Betty Litt & family ..Lynda, Scott, Tammy, Claudia
Doug and Mary Damen Lee
Our sympathy to the Winter’s Families, she was a great friend to our family, cherish the memories.
Rick and Marcia Podolinsky
Our sincere sympathy to your families. We will always cherish the memories of our John Deere family.
Joe and Diane Kaak
Dear Family
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
We had many good card games with your parents
Mark Heimrich
To all Riet’s family & friends;
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Mother, Oma and all Riet was to so many. What a wonderful, fun-loving lady. Always smiling and very kind. She was always very welcoming and hospitable. Riet and Harry were highly respected and valued customers for many years. I had several enjoyable visits at their kitchen table. It was always a pleasure to bump into them around the community and chat as well. Harry was the “stand up comic” and Riet was the “straight man (woman)” of the duo. They were a great team in so many ways. I’m sure It will give you all comfort to know that they are now reunited. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer and staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter.
Henk Bergsma
Sterkte met de familie , zoon van liesbeth Bergsma / winters
Gonny Bergsma
Mjn oprechte condoleance bij het overlijden van tante Riet. Fijn dat we haar (en jullie) hrbben ontmoet toen we in 2018 in Canada waren. Helaas is mijn man Jan (Bergsma) vorig jaar juni ook overleden. Ik wens jullie allemaal heel veel sterkte. Lieve groet van Gonny Bergsma
Hannie Bergsma e Keesjan Sikma
Heel veel sterkte voor de familie en wat was het een sterke vrouw.
Dianne Biggam
Frank and Janet – we were so sorry to hear about your Mom. Please accept our sincere condolences and hoping your many memories will carry you through the difficult days ahead. Love from Dianne and Bob.
Pete and Paula Sereda
Thinking about you all during this sad and difficult time in the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Reit was a very special lady, always friendly and caring. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Pete and Paula Sereda
Fred Van Osch
We are thinking of you all with the loss of dear Riet. What a fun spirit and big heart she had, always welcoming us when visiting my parents in Maple Leaf Estates. Fond memories. They were the best neighbours and great card partners for my parents. We’re sorry we’re unable to attend the service for Riet. Our deepest sympathies, Fred and Shelley
Gary and Sandra Smaglinski
We send our sincerest condolences to you, the Winter’s family, following the recent passing of a wonderful lady.
Riet held a special place in our hearts as did Harry and the family.
A wonderful couple who knew how to enjoy life, their family and friends. They are together again.
Melonie
Our condolences to Frank, Janet, Henry, Brenda & the Winter family.
Your mom lived a good life & will be happily reunited with your dad.
Many good memories 🌺
Ken and Kim Pinder
Frank, Janet and Winters Family
We are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You have our sincere sympathy. Your memories will help bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Thinking of you all.
George and Elaine Keller
Our sincere condolences to the Winters family
Bill & Louise Pincombe
To the Entire Winters Family:
“Riet” was a wonderful person! Loved visiting with her, she always made time for you. We were lucky enough share their home in Maple Leaf for several years, sure enjoyed our time there.
Please accept our condolences and may she RIP.
Hugs Bill & Louise Pincombe
Pat & Joe Glavin
Sending condolences to Frank, Janet and the entire Winters Family.
Your mother’s beautiful spirit will always be with you.
Wishing you peace and comfort through this difficult time.
Don & Edith Lewis and family
Riet”s family
She was a great neighbour always friendly and talkative.
Thinking of you all at this .sad and difficult
Our condolence to you all.
Marg Pavkeje
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was a great lady! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol (Ross) Coleman
To the entire Winter Family and friends, near & far;
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this sorrowful time. Such a beautiful tribute to a woman who lived a remarkable life of love with her family & friends.
May she rest in eternal peace. Amen
Carol (Ross) Coleman
To the entire Winter Family and friends, near & far;
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this sorrowful time. Such a beautiful tribute to a woman who lived a remarkable life with her family & friends.
May she rest in eternal peace. Amen
Katharina Coolman
Sincere condolences to all the Winter’s Family on the passing of Riet.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Katharina Coolman
Deb Gehan
Sorry to read of the passing of”Riet she was a wonderful woman and I enjoy her humour. Our sincere condolences to all the Winters’s family. May your memories of your mom, grandmother and mother-in-law be always with you
Anneke Damen
Our sincere condolences to the family Winters from family Thus-Damen in Doetinchem
Carrie Rose Van Osch
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Winters families. We remember Riet with fond memories while visiting Paula in FL over many years. A coffee date was always on the schedule while we brought she and Harry up on the happenings at home. May she RIP. xo Carrie & Gerald
Vic and Linda Enns
Dear Frank and Janet and all your family. We are so very sorry for the loss of your mom and grandma!! Our deepest sympathies to you. 💔💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Bob and Lorette (Vanneste) Mawson
Sending our condolences to all at this sad time
Janet & Philippe Maes
Sending our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. Treasure all of those precious memories close to your heart ❤️
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To all of the Winters’ families and friends
Our condolences to all on the passing of “Riet”, she and Harry are reunited.
Hoping your memories of her will bring you comfort in the future.
Rut Damen
Our sincere condolences to the family Winters from family Damen in Brampton.
Tim Rowcliffe
There is one less angel in the world today. To the entire Winters family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Your mom was one of the kindest, sweetest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. God bless.
Debra LaPorte
Frank, Vincent, Henry, Marlene, Andrew & Marc,
I had the pleasure of growing up beside and knowing Rita my whole life, she truly was a lovely person and will be greatly missed by many, thinking of you all. You have my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Rudy Jansen
I am saddened to hear of Riet’s passing. Always a delightful person, she will be reunited with her husband and many family members ..Sympathy to all the Winters families and Riet’s families. Rest in peace Dear lady. My dear wife Mary can sing Ave Maria now to you in heaven ❤️❤️
Joanne Bengough
So sorry to hear, Riet was an amazing lady, keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Joe, Joanne and Jason Bengough
Nancy Hutchison (Vanbruwaene)
Frank, Janet and the Winters family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Your mom was an amazing, resilient woman. Always had time for her family, her church and her friends. Loving her grand children was always at the forefront for sure. She will be missed but hang onto all the beautiful moments you have made over the years. Keep each other close and heal together. Praying the Lord envelopes you all in His love and comfort and peace. Sending lots of love and hugs,
Nancy, Monique Vanbruwaene and Mark, Ang
Inge Mowat
To the entire Winters family
What a lovely tribute to a truly beautiful and gracious lady.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Evelyn Vincent
Frank & Janet
Sincere sympathy. May God grant peace and comfort.
Donna Masfrankc
To the entire Winters Family.
My sincere condolences on the passing of Oma. She was truly a remarkable woman, who was very proud of her Family. Keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers through this difficult time.
Keith & Dianne Ahrens
Frank and Winters Family:
Thinking of everyone at this sad and difficult time. There will be many wonderful memories of a wonderful lady. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Deepest sympathy to all.
Hugs Keith (Ernie) and Dianne Ahrens