Wilhelmena Petronella Van Duynhoven (Mena)
“Oma” is gone. She peacefully passed away May 27th of congestive heart failure, at her home in Lake Havasu City. She would have turned 91 years old in August. Her death came as no surprise to us. It was only a few days prior that she called and conveyed, in no uncertain terms, that she would be exiting this world post haste. Her mind was still good, but her body was spent. During her retirement years, she had been well cared for by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren and wonderful friends, family and caregivers. Despite her physical challenges, these wonderful people enabled mom to continue living in the home that she loved. In the end, she had become immobile, and that’s where she drew the line. The gig was up and it was time for her to become one with the universe.
My sincere thanks go out to all those who stood by her, watched over her and cared for her. She had so many special people who brought smiles to her face, kept her spirits up, made her laugh, and taught her new skills. You know who you are, and I will be forever grateful, her son John.
Mena was born in the Netherlands. She was married to Anton VanDuynhoven in 1948, at which time the newlyweds boarded the ship that brought them to the United States. They raised their family in Minnesota and then Illinois, later retiring in Lake Havasu City in 1979. Sadly, Dad passed in 2003.
Mena is survived by her loving family; son, John (Michelle) Van Duynhoven of Lincolnshire, IL; daughter, Mary (Tony) Van Rooy of Lake Havasu City, AZ; brother, Anton Van Crey of Vostenbosch, Netherlands; sisters, Ann Van Crey of Eindhoven, Netherlands and Tina Verwyst of Burlington, WI; grandchildren, Mike (Tami) and John (Allison); great grandchildren, Ashley (Steve), Jenna, Jake and Will; special little friends, Amanda, Ella and Lane, and Lydia, Jay and Bill, who helped look after Mom these past few years.
At the time of her passing, she was lovingly surrounded by family, including her sister-in-law Mary and her nephew, Myron who arrived to be at her bedside upon Mom’s passing.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Love, Ashley
You are and always will be the most “tough and wonderful” person I know. You are someone that I’ll keep in my heart forever. I love you Oma, Jenna
Mom always kept journals, notebooks full of pictures and news, cherished moments we will have to keep the memories alive. Thank you mom!
Our family is eternally grateful to the many people who, in recent times, went above and beyond to assist Mena during her times in need: Havasu Regional Medical Center during her stay at the hospital, the wonderful firemen of the Lake Havasu Fire Department for their help with her mishaps at home, Tony Liska of Liska Pharmacy for his outstanding customer service, Leroy at Statewide Express for your loving care in transporting her, and special heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Havasu for giving Mena exceptional care and comfort that was so peaceful.
For those who wish to make a donation, the family requests they be sent in Mena’s name to Hospice of Havasu, PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.
Arrangements were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Mena’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.