VISSCHER: Margretha ‘Maggie’ Pieternella (Boer)
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On March 5, 2025 @ 4:29 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 58 Comments
Unexpectedly at Bluewater Health, Sarnia in Lambton County, Maggie died when her heart stopped on Friday, February 28, 2025 of Wyoming, Ontario and formerly of Bayfield, Mt. Carmel and Hensall in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Albert Visscher (2017). Dear mother of Landa (Ram) Coletta, Bart Visscher, Charlie (Judy) Visscher, and Teresa (Jason) Ainslie. Proud Oma of Dina (Mark), Monika, Viktor (Jaimee); Caleb, Nathan, Chloe; Stephanie (James), Nicholaas (Liz); Emily (Alyssa), Maggie (Ricardo), Madeline (Jibin); and great-Oma of seven. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Ina Boer and Gerda Weijenberg (Gert Kolkman). Predeceased by her parents Klaas and Lammigje (Zomer) Boer, and a sister Miny Boer. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Margaret (Maggie) was born in The Netherlands and in 1952 she finished high school and learned English, yet she was unable to begin nursing school until she was 19 years old.
She was a receptionist, as a telephone operator in ‘Bethesda’ Hospital in her hometown of Hoogeveen. By 1958 she had graduated with a diploma as a nurse and few months later became a staff nurse in the surgical wards in Rotterdam. She began private English conversation lessons in Rotterdam, then returned home to Hoogeveen working as an assistant head nurse the same year she married her husband, Albert Visscher.
A few months after their first child was born, Albert and Maggie immigrated to Canada where she worked part time in Listowel Memorial Hospital. Another child was born and they moved to Hensall, where she worked as a staff nurse in South Huron Hospital, where two more children were born by 1964. Eventually the family moved to a farm in Tuckersmith Township and Maggie worked for nearly 2 years in Clinton before accepting a position at Stratford General Hospital in OBS and coronary care. All the while continuously upgrading her education, including obstetrics and paediatrics courses, a coronary care course, and she also began the first two undergraduate courses at UWO in London. By 1973 Maggie began a teaching position at the School of Nursing in Stratford related to medical-surgical and psych nursing. By 1974, she graduated Social Sciences with a B.A. at UWO and a year later she began working with Dr. C.J. Wallace. By 1975 she completed a Nurse Practitioners course at McMaster University, studied cardiology, hypertension, birth control, psycho-pharmacology and by end of 1978 her desire to become a physician came, and she submitted her application. She was not accepted as she was considered ‘too old’ at age 42 due to her remaining years of preserved service. Her extensive education and experience were not considered ‘eligible’, plus being a woman did not help. She was unable to fight that system, however, she did fight the establishment with a few other women for more rights for Nurse Practitioners by writing letters and several drives to Toronto to fight for better pay and responsibility for N.Ps. The government finally agreed, yet Maggie and her colleagues were not eligible as it would only apply to new graduates. If these ladies wanted this same big pay raise that they fought for, they were required to go back to school for one year despite their education and proven records. Maggie refused, which enhanced her desire into politics, but she was happy the future was better for new graduates.
Our mother fought for everything she acquired, and our father supported her in every way. She enjoyed politics immensely and taught her family to stay connected to our values and beliefs and be able to defend them, especially at the voting box. We would discuss health care cases at the kitchen table or we would hear her get up at night to meet Dr. Wallace on a coroner call. All of this was just a normal day for us. She loved her family, her cars and driving them to their limit, dancing, nail polish colours, good hair days, music, reading a variety of books, art, and creating fun garden parties. Her flower gardens were weedless, she canned much of our food in our early years, and she loved each cat in her life. She was immensely passionate and devoted to the world of health care, rarely a complaint with many long shifts.
Margaret Visscher was a strong, bold, direct yet respected, always well-dressed woman, who looked and acted younger than her numbered age. She was always aware of the landscape in an era who didn’t always respect working mothers or stay at home (farm) fathers…but she did it anyway. She was our mother, a wife, a sister, a sister-in-law, a friend, a daughter, and a powerhouse in the medical field. She worked hard every day to be better in her personal health care and kept current with new health ideas, always increasing her knowledge. She will be terribly missed.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, March 7th from 12:00-1:00 PM where the funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM. View the service live, or at your convenience by visiting https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E6r7by617/. Spring interment Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cardiac Program, or a nursing bursary that will be set up in Maggie’s name (cheques made payable to ‘Landa Coletta in Trust’) would be appreciated by the family.
“Margreeth zal voor altijd in ons hart blijven”
(Margaret will be in our heart forever)
Condolences for the family of “VISSCHER: Margretha ‘Maggie’ Pieternella (Boer)”
Maggie was an amazing woman! She hired me in 1979 to work at the Hensall Medical office. She taught me so much and I always respected her.
My sympathy to the family. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Dear Visscher family,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences with the loss of tante Margretha. She was such a wonderful person, so outgoing and always interested in everything and anybody. She had a smile that would light up a room. I have so many fond memories of her. She will be misssed for sure. Hang on to all the beautiful memories and you can be darn proud of your mom 💝
I worked with Maggie at the Bayfield Medical Centre for over 20 years. She was a wealth of knowledge and truly cared about her patients, family and friends. I was fortunate to call her my coworker and friend for so many years. May the memories of your Mother provide you strength in the days ahead.
Landa, Ram, and families
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. She was such a special lady who touched so many lives. We are thinking of you all with heartfelt sympathy.
THE BROKEN CHAIN
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one
the chain will link again. Ron Tranmer
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working for Dr Wallace and Maggie for a couple of years.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Linda, (Zomer) Anna, Jackie, Tanya and families
Landa, Bart, Charlie & Teresa & families
I was so saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. Her knowledge & dedication to her job was never unnoticed by the patients. She will be deeply missed by all those lives she touched. Keeping your family in our thoughts & prayers in the difficult days ahead.
Sincere sympathy to all of Maggie’s family as they cope with the loss of a much loved family matriarch. I first met Maggie at Stratford G.H. on OBS floor. She was an excellent and caring nurse. It was a pleasure to work with her at BWRH and at Queensway N.H. as they made rounds to ensure quality care for our residents. She was always supportive to residents and staff and very supportive to myself in my nursing career.
She and Dr. Wallace took special care of all my family while in Zurich. She was an awesome person and loved her family very much.
May God watch over all the family at this time of sorrow and grief.
Love and prayers to all.
Sincerely Lois Thiel
So sorry to hear this sad news…I’ve known Maggie for many years through Dr. Wallace when she worked with him. She was always the most kind, friendly, generous and sincere woman I’ve known…
I will always remember her contagious laugh and smile! Cherish the wonderful memories…
She was a wonderful, strong willed woman, a legend. She had a huge heart, and such passion.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
To Maggie’s family…You must all be so proud of your mom’s extensive accomplishments and love for life. We were honoured to have known her through Dr. Wallace’s office and then share her passion of gardening by exchanging plants and ideas. Her garden parties were always relaxing and a time to share food and friendship.. Rest in Peace Maggie…you deserve it.
Deepest condolences to all Family and friends of Maggie.
Our family was truly fortunate to have had Maggie as our healthcare provider and friend.
She had that personal touch with her patients, going as far to, making a phone call
checking on how they were doing.
Maggie’s obituary speaks volumes of the professionalism and dedication she had for her
Family, friends, and patients.
Rest peacefully Maggie.💔
Dennis and Lorraine Regier
To Maggie’s family
sincere sympathy. Maggie was such a strong woman and blazed the trail for others. May God grant peace, strength and comfort
She was a wonderful woman, she took great care in every patient she saw and I always looked up to her, she was incredibly intelligent, RIP and thank you
How very sad. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your whole family Charlie.
Teresa and family – my deepest sympathy! Your Mother was a wonderful lady. She knew her stuff. She and Dr. Wallace were a great team! Maggie always had a big smile and was keen to help. Cherish the wonderful memories!!!
It was Maggie I went to see when I made an appointment with Dr Wallace . She had great insight into childhood issues and female ones! She was my doctor in all but name.
Often saw her outside the office always with a smile
One of a kind.
My deepest sympathy to Maggie’s family, her conversations were always enjoyable, very kind and caring person
Love and prayers Mary Lou Erb
My sympathy to Maggie’s family
What a beautiful amazing women and so full of knowledge.
She was so personable …. we often talked about our hair and nails
She will be missed
Take good care of each other
Elaine
Maggie was a wonderful lady and I mean lady. She cared about everyone in whom she treated and I enjoyed having her look after me while I was a patient of Dr Wallace while I lived in Hensall. She will be missed by everyone and I extend my sincere sympathy.
My sincere condolences to all of Maggie’s family! She was a very caring NP and would really listen to her patients. She dedicated her life to helping others.
Thinking of all during this difficult time
My condolences to Bart and Charlie and the rest of the family.
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother . She was an inspiration to me all of my adult life. She was deeply respected for her knowledge and experience. It was always educational and entertaining to go to Dr Wallace for an appointment and listen to them bounce ideas off of each other. She was a strong woman and will be missed. RIP Maggie
To the family of Margaret Visscher, our sincere sympathy;
May your love for your Mother and the care she gave to others sustain you at this time.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Maggie was one of a kind!! In the early 80’s Maggie and Dr. Wallace hired myself to work at the
Hensall Medical Centre in the house on King St. in Hensall. It was an honour and a privilege to
have worked with her.
A true gem!!
RIP Maggie
My deepest sympathies to Maggie’s families on the loss of a very inspirational woman, had the pleasure of making rounds at SHH with “Maggie & Charlie “.
Our most sincere condolences to Maggie’s family! Maggie was an amazing lady! The greatest, most knowledgeable and kind person! She was always so kind and passionate to Steve and I when we visited her in Dr. Wallace’s medical centre. May God grant you much peace for all you did for everyone! R.I.P. dear Maggie!🙏🙏
Condolences to the family of an inspirational determined women. May the memories be a blessing. It was an honour to know and work with Maggie and Dr Wallace.
Maggie was a true friend, caring and compassionate, a woman of remarkable strength and wisdom and a tribute to her patients, friends and family. God bless you Maggie and may you RIP.
So sorry to hear this sad news..I’ve known Maggie for many years through Dr. Wallace when she worked with him. She was always the most kind, friendly, generous and sincere woman I’ve known…
I will always remember her contagious laugh and smile! Cherish the wonderful memories..
A remarkable N P.. very professional…and the well- being of her patients was her priority!!
So very sorry for your loss to all her Family
Landa, Ram & families
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Truly a wonderful person that will be missed by many. Extending my sincere condolences to your entire family.
To The Visscher family, Our deepest condolences to the Visscher family as you grieve the loss of your mother….
I always was so impressed the way she dressed so professional, every time I would go for my Doctor visits….high heels and all!!!!
Was a very caring lady…and did her job so well….
Love and Prayers to all at this difficult time….
Dear Landa, Ram and family:
Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Your mom/oma lived an amazing journey and clearly gave all she could every day. What a legacy to treasure.
So sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. A one of a kind lady. Cherish all of your wonderful memories
Such a wonderful and caring person. She will be truly missed. Thinking of all of you during this sad time.
Steph, James, Blake, Alex, Charlie, Judy and Family.
Sorry to read of the passing of your Oma, Great Oma & Mother.
Our condolences to you at this difficult time, Cherish your memories, they will always be near your hearts…. Hugs
Love Dave & Janie Martin
Im so sorry to hear of dear Maggie’s passing. She was a truly special woman and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have known her. She was such a smart, strong, loving, compassionate woman who gave of herself to help so many others. I know she will be greatly missed. Praying for the Visscher family, may the Lord comfort you and give you His perfect peace.
Landa, Ram & families
So many great memories of Maggie!!
First being neighbors, then being her hairstylist in my home & that is where she initiated hiring me to work at Dr. Wallace’s medical office in Hensall part time where she taught me many great qualities in the healthcare field
She was loved & respected by everyone. She also hosted the best Staff Christmas parties around !!
May she rest in peace,
My sympathies to you all❤️
Janet & John
Landa and family
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
Our condolences to you and your entire family
George and Hilda (Wynja) Ridley
Dear Landa, Ram and the Visscher Families,
Maggie was a brilliant Nurse Practitioner. . She was knowledgeable, professional , capable, caring, thorough, and friendly. I am fortunate to have been in her care.
Maggie was a lovely friend and neighbour. You could count on her for an intelligent and engaging conversation.
Maggie deserves a lot of praise for her dedication to improving the status of Nurse Practitioners.
She was a wonderful Mother and role model to her family.
She will be sadly missed.
Sincere condolences.
Sue Burton & Mike Beatty
Landa, Ram and families
Ken and I so sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. Maggie was a dear friend of my mother’s. We have many memories of Maggie and Albert.
She was very caring and compassionate in her profession. Your mother’s love will help you all through this very difficult time.
Maggie and I worked together in ICU/Coronary Care at Stratford Hospital. We had a lot in common, busy farm wives and mothers who loved Nursing. Maggie was brilliant, so very smart and with such wonderful compassion, I followed her different paths of continuing education with interest and rejoiced when she joined Dr Charles in the Office practice where all her extensive knowledge could be used . I was leading a Medical Mission team to Peru, and we had no physician. I know who to call and Maggie and one of the boys signed on to complete the team. Through the years, we enjoyed garden party gatherings to catch up, or just a cup of coffee, and it was then like old home week. Maggie was a nurse, one in a billion, with rare talent and compassion rolled into one. I regret that I was not able to share an extra ordinary award with Maggie, as she was certainly a partner.
Landa, Bart, Charlie and Teresa, and your families, cherish those memories. I certainly do.
We are sorry we are unable to attend the funeral for your mom as we are still in Florida.
Gerrit and I send our condolences to your family.
We remember the times we were able to be at family gatherings with her. She always had that beautiful smile which brightened the room.
Theresa and all the Visscher family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace she was a remarkable woman,
(went to Brucefield school with you Theresa in case you don’t recall the name)
To all Maggie’s family,
Maggie is a part of my core childhood memories of going to the Dr’s office, seeing her and Dr Wallace, up into my 30’s when they retired. Her professionalism and wisdom was admirable over the years and as a nurse, I respect all that she accomplished. And when choosing our daughter’s name, Maggie was an easy choice.
Melanie (McBride) Eden
Landa, Ram and families, Sending our condolences at this sad and difficult time.
Maggie was such a beautiful sole and will be missed by all who knew her. Enjoyed seeing her on rounds at BWRH for many years. She has earned her wings and forever impressed with her legacy. Hugs to her entire family. Bonnie and Wayne
We love you, Maggie. Thank you for always looking out for us Wallace’s. Sending all our love from the UK.
To Maggie’s family- I had the pleasure of working alongside Maggie and Dr Wallace when they did their rounding at South Huron- she was so gracious , knowledgeable and a great lady- super smile! She will be missed❤️
My sincere condolences Landa, and all the family on the loss of your loved one. Hold you memories close at this sad time.
Dear Visscher family,
Our deepest condolences with the passing of Margaret. She was a lady with class.
We were neighbours on the farm near Chiselhurst church near Hensall. At the time
your mom was working in Stratford Hospital. We had some nice visits in those days,we
we’re new immigrants then . Our prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Gerald and Truce Ten Hag.
Our deepest sympathies to Maggie’s family. She was an amzing woman and helped so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Hello dear Visscher family,
I was really sad to hear about Aunt Margreet’s passing. Even though I didn’t get to see her often, I know she was an amazing person who brought a lot of love and kindness to everyone around her.
I’m thinking of the whole family during this tough time. I hope you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of her.
Sending you lots of love.
Our Sincere Condolences to the Maggie’s Family on her Passing!
She was an Amazing Woman and a Dear Friend !
Thank You Maggie Forever in Our Hearts ❤️ !
Mike, Donna Caers and Family
Landa; your mother sounds like a truly amazing, trail-blazing hero! What a wonderful story! I’m so glad I read it, and you and your family must be very proud of her accomplishments! Our deepest condolences. Anne and Bill Saundercook
Deeply sorry for your loss and sending sincerest condolences to all of the family. Maggie was a very special person, and she will be missed dearly. She did so much for the community, and she was such a pioneer and role model in her nursing profession. A true friend to our family going back so many years–lots of great memories.
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So saddened to hear that your Mom has passed. I have great memories of her from the “Hensall” era living down the road from your family. As well, our paths crossed occasionally in our separate work careers.
I very much respected your Mom. She was a great person!
My sincere condolences.
Linda Crerar (Bell)