08/18/2025
Its with great sadness we share the passing of Mom and grandma Helen Herrema
On Sunday, August 17th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, Helen passed away in her home of 63 years which she shared with her sister June Peck.
Born on May 11, 1937 to Olive (Rumble) and Arthur Peck in King City, ON. Beloved sister of June Peck, Fred Peck and Gordon Peck (Yvonne Wright, both deceased). She attended King City Public School and Aurora High School where she excelled scholastically. She participated in sports, especially basketball and softball.
Following high school, she attended Teacher’s College and upon graduation and taught at Dorset Park Elementary School in Scarborough, ON and later supply teaching in Uxbridge while raising her family.
On December 26, 1959 she married Gerrit (Gary) Herrema at the Baptist Church in King City and settled on Gerrit’s family farm in Temperanceville, moving to Leaskdale in April 1962, which continues today as a family dairy operation. They raised three children Ronald (Mary-Anne Lamont), Elizabeth (Beth) (Robin Bloomfield), and Howie (Elizabeth (Liz) Arndt). In later years, “bonus son” Don Tindall and his wife April and their daughters were part of the family.
Community was important to both Mom and Dad. They attended St. Paul’s, Leaskdale. Helen was a member of Uxbridge Fair Board for over 40 years. Her crafts and baking won many Fair prizes. She was also a dedicated volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society for many years.
Mom supported Dad’s political career at all levels. She was devoted to Dad during his cancer battle until his passing on November 20, 1995. After Dad’s passing, she continued her involvement in the family’s dairy farm, travelling with her sister in Canada and around the world, curling, gardening, volunteering, quilting and other artisanal crafts.
What brought Mom her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren grow up: Jeannette Herrema (Brandon Ehinger) and Cameron Herrema, Jonathan Bloomfield and Alexander Bloomfield, Gerrit Herrema (Sarah Dyer) and Brigitte Herrema. Mom was thrilled to become a great-grandmother to Sadie & Ryker Ehinger and Wyatt Herrema, who brought her immense joy. She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Gerri-Lynn O’Connor for her friendship and kindness to Mom over the years.
Family and friends will gather at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Leaskdale on Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. for a funeral service with visitation one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in a private committal at Foster Memorial Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Leaskdale or the Canadian Cancer Society. For online condolences, please visit www.lowandlow.ca
