Marie Feenstra started her life September 11, 1921 in Rotterdam, Holland. She was born Maria de Gast, to mother Petronella de Gast (Schruyer) and father Willem de Gast. Originally there were 13 children but 4 passed away at a very young age. Marie was the eighth of the nine surviving brothers and sisters. Eldest to youngest they were Matheus (Thijs), Maarten, Willem (Wim), Johannes (Jo), Neeltje (Nely), Pieter (Piet), Leendert (Leen), Marie and Maartje. Marie grew up in Rotterdam. As a young girl she was a little shy and to hide this from other people she would often be impulsive, a characteristic that made her charming to the outside world and everybody loved her for it. Her family was very close and she especially enjoyed the companionship of her sisters Nely and Maartje. Sometimes they would just sit next to each other, arms crossed the same way and giggle about anything. She lived in a family that had lots of musical talent. A fond memory is the 45th Wedding anniversary of her parents. With little money they organized a great surprise party. There was a family choir, different instruments were played and there was a theatrical performance with everyone taking part. During WW II she met her future husband Foppe (Frank) Feenstra a jockey and horse trainer. They were married in Holland September 11, 1946. Their first three children, Vicky, Elsie and Ted were born in Holland. In 1951 Foppe and Marie decided to seek out a better life in Canada. On April 15, 1951 with three children aged three, two and three months they boarded the SS Volendam en route to Canada. This was a very difficult departure for Marie leaving her large family behind and in addition her father passed away only three days earlier. Marie left part of her heart in Holland and always had fond memories of her life there. Frank and Marie started their new life in Canada working in Aggasiz. They lived for a while on the Fairmeade farm in Langley and then started Dairy Farming in Matsqui on November 1, 1955. During this time they had two more children, Mary while living on the Fairmeade farm and Bill while living in Matsqui. In 1957 they started renting the Michaud farm in the heart of Langley. Their youngest child Dirk was born while living there. In the early years Marie worked very hard to make the most of what they had. She helped with the farm chores in addition to being the homemaker. She was a very good cook and there was nothing better then her homemade bread with Dutch cheese. The family enjoyed Marie’s cooking and baking during the many Sunday gatherings on the farm when Frank’s brothers and sister would visit with their families. Marie enjoyed sewing and made clothes for herself and the family. She also enjoyed other crafts and knitted many sweaters and slippers. In 1967 Frank and Marie bought an 80 acre Dairy Farm in Glen Valley. By this time the older children helped with the farm chores and Marie got her drivers license, which gave her a new found freedom. Marie was a city girl at heart and enjoyed her trips into Langley. She loved to visit with friends and family for a quick coffee with a cookie or piece of cake. In 1968 their eldest daughter Vicky was married and the family started to grow once again. Sandy was the first of seventeen grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Marie had room for every one of them in her heart. During the 70’s several of Marie’s brothers and sisters were able to visit from Holland, which brought her great joy. Frank and Marie continued Dairy Farming in Glen Valley until 1977 when they sold the farm and retired. They purchased a 5 acre property in South Langley where Frank took up his hobby with horses. Marie not wanting to be tied down joined a women’s club and went on many site-seeing trips including Reno, Hawaii and California. Marie was always out and about visiting friends and family; this is what she enjoyed the most. Family was very important to Marie; she never missed a Birthday and loved the big family gatherings at her house. In retirement Marie continued her hobbies and crafts adding upholstery to her list of talents. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and wouldn’t miss the weekly lottery. Frank and Marie enjoyed many happy and healthy years of retirement at the South Langley residence living there until July 2003. They moved to Harrison Landing, a senior’s residence and lived there from July 2003 to June 2007 and then moved to Simpson Manor, a care home on June 27th, 2007. Marie Feenstra (de Gast) aged 87 years passed away peacefully at Simpson Manor on November 2, 2008. Sadly missed by her loving husband of 62 years, Frank Feenstra, sons, Ted Feenstra, Bill (Angela) Feenstra, Dirk (Rose) Feenstra. Daughters Vicky (Bob) Burns, Elsie (Dave) Warren, Mary (Dave) Stenberg. Seventeen grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends. A private family celebration of life was held on November 22, 2008 at Henderson's Funeral Home in Langley. The family would like to thank the staff at Simpson Manor for their loving care of their mother. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Marie will live forever in our hearts and thoughts of her will always bring happy memories.