BOOTSMA, Margaretha - Margaretha was born on July 31, 1953 in Den Hague, The Netherlands. Her family immigrated to Canada by ship to Halifax in April 1957, crossed the country by train and settled in Vancouver. An accomplished artist well known across Canada and the US, Margaretha fought cancer courageously with grace, dignity and determination for almost two years. On February 9, 2011 Margaretha passed away peacefully surrounded by her brushes, paints, photographs and drawing supplies in the studio that she built near the ocean in Comox, BC. She was encircled and lifted by her families’ and friends’ love, hopes and prayers for her. We will forever hold her closely in our hearts.

Margaretha loved life. She had a gift for making all those around her feel as though they were the most specials ones in her life, and also for inspiring people to be better than what they thought they were capable of. She greeted each day with a smile and made the most of each moment. She often took chances with her art and inspired others to do the same, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.

The art world has lost someone very special. Margaretha’s art legacy will live on through everyone she has taught and inspired and those who have been moved by her beautiful, thought-provoking works. As well as galleries in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Prince George and Seattle, Margaretha’s work has been shown in the SOPA Gallery in Kelowna and in the Penticton Art Gallery.

Margaretha was pre-deceased by her father, Albert Bootsma, and is survived by her spouse, Paul Guenette, her mother, Ann Bootsma, her sisters, Rita (Blake) Terriff, Tina Bootsma (Richard) and Caroline (Roy) Bouman, her brothers, John (Linda), Rudy (Allison) Harold (Valori), Terry (Melanie) and David (Shari), many beloved nieces and nephews, her two step-children, and friends worldwide.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Kwantlen Polytechnic University for a student award created in Margaretha’s honour, 604-599-2010.

There will be a memorial/celebration to honour Margaretha on March 12 in Vancouver.

For further details please visit margarethabootsma.com.

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