Obituary of Maria "Riet" Magdalena Koetsier

KOETSIER, Maria "Riet" Magdalena – 82, Halifax. It is with sadness that the family and friends of Maria ‘Riet’ Koetsier announce her passing on Thursday, November 8, 2012. Riet came to Halifax in 1953 from her native Holland and like many immigrants at that time, landed at Pier 21 to begin her new life.  Her first job in her new country was as a maid in a south-end residence in Halifax.  From there, she moved on to a new job at Mills Brothers, where she was employed for 47 years until 2001.  She is survived by her sisters, Johanna Maria (Charles) Noordendorp and Jacoba van Denbos; brother, Peter (Clara); several nieces and nephews, all of Holland.  Riet was predeceased by her husband, Ben; her sister, Dieuw Baarda and her special friend, Bob Stailing.  Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax (477-5601). A service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at 1 PM from the funeral home chapel, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Riet’s memory may be made to the Bide Awhile Animal Shelter, where she was a longtime volunteer or to the Pier 21 Museum, where she volunteered following her retirement.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting, www.walkerfh.com