Anna C. Van Haaster née Slingerland

On November 13th, 2024, one month after turning 93, Anny, as she is lovingly remembered by her family, and known to many as Anna or Ann, passed away quietly in the early hours of the morning at Muskoka Landing in Huntsville. She was pre-deceased by her husband Adrian of 62 years, and by her three sisters Catharina Elisabeth, Amanda and Adriana. 

Anny was born on Oct 13, 1931, and spent her early years in Wilsveen, within the sight of the famous three windmills (Molendriegang) in Leidschendam, the Netherlands. Her family was close-knit, and her parents were loving, dedicated and provided stability during the difficult years of World War II. Anny kept lifelong ties with her siblings and relatives, speaking frequently on the telephone and visiting each other on both continents.  

In 1954, Anny immigrated to Canada where her fiancé Adrian was awaiting her. They were married soon after her arrival and settled in the Mississauga area for 20 years, where their three sons were born and where they made many friends. Subsequently, they followed their dream to live in the Muskoka nature and spent their remaining years in the Huntsville area. Anny was a valued business partner to Adrian and a loving mother who was talented in gardening, cooking, sewing and bookkeeping. With determination and devotion, she ensured the health, education and prosperity of her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be life-long learners and nurturing their love for sports. Anny loved nature and the outdoors, watersports (swimming), animals and, most of all, being with her family, children and indulging her nine grandchildren. Dedicated, loyal, practical, hardworking, resourceful, tender and kind, the needs of others always came first.  

The final phase of Anny’s life at Muskoka Landing lasted exactly 5 years. Despite the challenges of aging, she was positive, good spirited, good humored, and always willing to help. Grieving her loss and yet relieved that she is in eternal peace are: her brother Adriaan (Lenny) in Belgium; her children Kenneth (Brenda), Alan (Cathy) and Ian (Elsa); her grandchildren Michael (Andrea), Robert (Courtney), Bryan (Korrie), Maximilien (Andreanne), Jordan (Natalie), Jacob, Émile (Yasmine), Noah (Claire), Mya; her great-grandchildren (Dawson, Olivia, Porter, Archer); and many nieces and nephews and their families in The Netherlands. 

The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff of Muskoka Landing for the excellent care and attention she received. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Alzheimer Society of Muskoka at https://alzheimermuskoka.kindful.com/?campaign=1090046 and/or the Society of St Vincent de Paul of Huntsville at https://ssvp.ca/donate/ 

Visitation will be held at Billingsley Funeral Home, Huntsville, Ontario on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 5 :00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10:00 am. The burial will take place immediately after the mass at Hutcheson memorial Cemetery Huntsville. A reception will follow in the St Mary’s of Assumption Church Hall downstairs.