Monthly Archive

Congratulations

Mrs. Nancy Broer

100th Birthday

February 16, 2009

Born to Jacobus and Maartje deJong in Andyk, Netherlands, Nancy was married to her childhood playmate, Cor Broer, in 1930. During the following years, they were blessed with six children, Dirk, Gerada, Josephine, Edward, Matilda, and Harry. In 1948, after the war and with the children in tow, Cor and Nancy immigrated to Canada where one more daughter, Dora, was born. A few years after arrival, they purchased a tobacco farm which became their occupation and family home until Cor’s retirement in 1973.

The Broers’ move into Aylmer in 1980 was an easy one; Aylmer had always been the home of church and school for the Broers’ and they were very much involved in both. Since immigration, they experienced going to Sparta United Church, church being held in the basement of the Aylmer Baptist Church, upstairs in what is now the Old Town Hall and then the joy of building our own little white church. The ambition of this immigrant generation was unbounded and soon a small portion of Immanuel Christian School was erected. As a charter member of the Aylmer church, Mrs. Broer experienced it all and remembers the progress and setbacks as well as most of the people involved.

In 1988 Cor Broer passed away leaving Nancy living at Heritage Place on her own. Their eldest son, Dirk Broer, passed away January 2007. At the present time Nancy Broer has 28 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren; many of whom live in this area.

Over the years, Nancy Broer had many hobbies, such as crocheting, knitting and refinishing furniture, she was best known for being a wonderful cook. She now likes to speak of the many changes that have taken place during her life and tries to keep up with the time by watching the news on TV. Mrs. Broer hopes to celebrate her special birthday with family and friends.