The Janmaat Family

Their Story…

Family, hard work, and community were the cornerstones of our parents, John and Mary Janmaat’s, lives.

They emigrated from Holland to Canada in 1952, and, after spending a bit of time in the Maritimes, moved to Ontario in 1953 and made Huron County their home. Mom and Dad were active members of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Seaforth during their lifetime. Dad served on the Board of St. James Cemetery and Mom was an active member of the St. James’ Catholic Women’s League and a generous contributor to the Huron County Christmas Bureau for many, many years.

For all of their contributions to our community, Mom and Dad were never ones to seek out recognition or fanfare. Instead, they quietly provided comfort to friends and neighbours in times of need, supported those who had lost loved ones, and worked tirelessly to provide for, and raise us, their nine children.

As the years passed, the Janmaat family grew to include our spouses, 26 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren with more expected in the months and years to come. What a family legacy!

Truly, family meant the world to Mom and Dad. No matter how much our family grew, there was always room in Mom and Dad’s home for more. Nothing was more important to them than being with their family. How lucky were we.

In recognition of this, and in dedication to their commitment to providing comfort to others over their 60+ years in our community, we, the Janmaat family, dedicate the Huron Hospice’s Family Great Room in their memory. Just like Mom and Dad would have loved, it is our hope that this room will provide a quiet space where families can gather to share special moments and memories at a time when they are needed and will be cherished the most.

In Loving Memory of our Parents

John and Mary Janmaat

Love: Luke, Ken, Mary, John, Ann, Ted, Joan, Ron and Paul and families