
Heijdeman: Maria Johanna “Ria”,
Peacefully passed away with her loving family by her bedside, at her home in Tecumseth Pines Tottenham, on January 31, 2025. Ria Heijdeman (nee: Beijnen) at the age of 84 years, beloved wife of Robert Heijdeman. Loving mother of the late Bianca. Dear sister of Helma Quinn-Leeman (the late David Leeman). Remembered with love by her nephew Free Spirit Quinn, and niece Star of Peace Quinn (Michael Jackson). Fondly remembered by her brother in law and sister in law Petar Heijdeman, and Wenda Heijdeman. Forever in the hearts of her extended family and friends. Sadly missed by her furry friend Asher.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held in St. James Church Colgan 2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Colgan on Wednesday February 12, 2025 at 11:00am. A reception will immediately follow at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 in the Cliffside Hall. In Ria’s memory, donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Mass
St. James Church
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham L0G1W0
11:00am
Eilleen Mckay says
Dear Rob
My sincere condolences to you and to your families.. Thinking of you at this sad time. Ria will always be with us in our fondest memories.
Bob and Gail Carson says
Sincere condolences to Rob and family. Everyone in the Pines will miss her cheerful smile and happy attitude. Every day was a good one and she wanted you to enjoy it.
Margaret Lyons says
Dear Rob,
We are saddened to hear of Ria’s passing, but happy to know you were by her side until the end. You shared a wonderful life together and the memories will always be with you. We enjoyed many good times with both of you when we lived at the Pines and will remember them with fondness. We send good wishes to you as you face life without Ria. She will be so missed.
Sincerely,
Marg and Bruce Lyons
Liz McMullen says
My most sincere condolences to you Rob and the family. Ria was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed in the community.
Mark and Norma Rayner says
Rob and family,
We enjoyed seeing you and Ria on every passing walk around our home on Tamarack Court. I imagine your walks would have been quicker but you both took the time to chat with every passerby including the canine variety. Cookies in pockets and a gentle touch illicited wagging tails throughout the community. Lots of social events, dancing and sheer kindness to all is how we will remember Ria. Sending love and support to you, Rob, and both your families. Take care.
Gwen & Al says
Dear Rob
Ria was truly a special person and her loss is felt by all who knew her.
May God’s love be your strength at this time. Our sincere condolences.
Gwen & Al
Christine and Stephen Gleeson says
As ushers at St. James in Colgan, it was our pleasure to see Ria and Robert walk in together, every Sunday. We shared some lovely conversations. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May she R.I.P.
Susan Conforti says
Dear Rob and family.. just saw The obituaries and my heart sank. So very sorry for your loss. I’m going to be out of the country, but will be thinking of you . Our deepest condolences to you and your family….
Adrian Grice and Leslie says
Thinking of you at this time.
Ria and yourself were always so welcoming to us. We always enjoyed conversations on the road, your front porch or inside your grand window. Ria will always be remembered with fondness. Our condolences.
Adrian and Leslie.
Bill and Patti Cragg says
Ria was one of the kindness, and most gentle people I have ever met. Her enthusiasm for everything “Tecumseth Pines” was infections. So many will miss her, none will forget her. We send our love to Rob and the family at her passing.
Mary Van Hezewyk says
Rob and family,
Our deepest condolences on Ria’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you in His care during this difficult time.
Mary Van Hezewyk and family.
Doug, Jennifer, Shannon and Dexter says
Our hearts go out to you Rob, loss of a great lady
Julia Young says
Dearest Rob,
We are very sorry to hear about Ria’s passing. Such a kind and sweet lady. My parents Tom and Pat Young from the pines had many fond memories with you and Ria. She will be greatly missed.
Julia Young
Bruce Bridgeford says
Dear Rob (and family)…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ria was a very special person – the driving force behind so many social activities in the Pines over the years and a tremendous champion for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. We will all miss her unfailingly positive outlook on life.
Best wishes, Bruce Bridgeford & Pierre Hamel
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Rob
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your lovely wife.
Evelyn Wadden says
Rob and family, so sorry to hear of Ria passing my thoughts and prayers are with you all, I have great memories of Ria playing ball the best back catcher I had going back to the legion after the game for a few bubbles Ria you will be greatly missed ❤️
George and Nicci Barr says
Rob and family;
Our sincere condolences. Ria was an incredible person-warm, caring, kind and incredibly loyal. Our heart aches.
Lisa Volk says
So sorry for u loss
Mrs. Lynda Thain says
We send our deepest sympathy to Rob, and all the Family. When we think of Ria she comes to mind as a kind, caring and helpful lady who gave of her time to her community in Tecumseth Pines, in Tottenham. Ria was a devoted Catholic who attended Mass regularly in Saint James Church in Colgan. When we first moved into ”The Pines” Ria was one of the first people who extended a warm welcome to us.We will miss seeing her with Rob, strolling by our house as she gave us a happy smile. She was a wonderful person. Cherish the memories and she will stay in our hearts forever. May her Family be Blessed with Peace & Love at this time.
Russ & Lynda Thain .
Michele Tomlinson says
So many wonderful memories on the 2nd Line, I still remember having a few drinks around the Tiki Hut. My deepest condolences Rob.
Rest in Peace Ria XO
Michele
Kayla Wright & Macey says
Thank you for being a light in such a dark dull world. Your family and friends will greatly miss you, but your legacy will always live on.
You were so kind to my family growing up, I will never forget the Christmases we spent devouring Rob‘s shrimp he always brought, and having many laughs around the Christmas tree.
I still remember being a child bouncing on your knee while you sang beautiful Dutch songs to us,
Knowing you are now at peace, and no longer have a struggle or have pain, makes me happy.
Forever in our hearts Ria
Don and Linnea says
Our sincerest condolences to Rob and all the family. We will miss seeing her walk around the Pines. She was a great friend and a bright light in our community.
Audrey Micoli says
Dear Robert I remember doing Rias hair when I lived in the area. Wow is all I can say she truly enjoyed life and had such a great sense of humour. She truly loved you and that twinkle was obvious. Rest in peace Ria xx Audrey Micoli
Jim and Jean Grieves says
Sincere condolences to Rob .. Friend and neighbour since 1996 in The Pines . Ria will be in greatly missed .. Jean and Jim Grieves .