INGRID MARIJKE HENNINK (nee KEUS)

July 31, 2026

Ingrid Marijke Hennink (née Keus) of Kincardine, a loving mother, proud Oma, loyal friend, talented knitter, and spirited adventurer, died peacefully at home, July 31, 2026, surrounded by love, at the age of 80. She touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and characteristically-direct sense of humour, and leaves behind a legacy of friendship, creativity, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Born on Dec. 23, 1945, she was the daughter of Johannes Cornelis Willem Keus and Engelina Margaretha Bijvoet. She grew up in Den Haag, the Netherlands, where she worked in a variety of roles, from retail and office administration to banking and finance. Known for her competence and strong work ethic, she brought care and dedication to everything she did. It was in the Netherlands that she met her future husband, Max. In 1976, she embarked on her greatest adventure yet, leaving the Netherlands behind to build a new life in Canada. July 25, 1976, she crossed the Atlantic to begin that new chapter with Max in Kincardine, Ontario. In 2026, she celebrated 50 years in Canada, a country she was proud to call home. Upon arriving in Canada, Ingrid quickly became part of the Kincardine community. She drove a school bus, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and at the Kincardine Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, and later pursued her entrepreneurial spirit by owning a gift shop that many will remember as "The Peddler" and later "The Little Store." Filled with unique treasures and beautifully-assembled gift baskets, she helped countless people find the perfect gift. She later worked as a seamstress at Presto-Crest, where her skill, precision, and attention to detail continued to serve her well until retirement. Through every season of life, her family remained her greatest joy. She was Max’s steadfast partner, and together, they raised their daughters, Lisa (Craig Colquhoun) and Marijke. Later, came one of her most cherished roles, becoming Oma to Annie, Martin, and Marléna. Nothing made her happier than watching her grandchildren grow into adults, and she never stopped cheering them on. Ingrid was, without a doubt, a proud Dutch woman. Strong-willed, delightfully stubborn, refreshingly direct, fiercely independent, and never one to fuss over herself, she approached life on her own terms. In fact, she would probably roll her eyes at all this attention. She had little use for grand gestures or elaborate celebrations, finding happiness instead in good friends, knitting, "lekker" coffee, travel, time spent together, and all things "gezellig." Life's challenges were rarely met with complaints. Ingrid had a practical outlook on life and believed the best thing to do was simply get on with it. Friendship was one of the greatest joys and constants in her life. She treasured life-long friends, including her coffee group that remained close for more than 40 years. She also made many cherished friends through her knitting group, a gathering she often referred to as her therapy. There was plenty of knitting and conversation, along with the occasional suggestion to “Just rip it!” when things went wrong. Ingrid was never easily discouraged; sometimes it simply took four tries to get it right. And when someone didn’t know how to do something, her answer was straightforward: “YouTube it!” She was equally grateful for her incredible neighbours whose kindness, generosity, and friendship enriched her life in countless ways. To know Ingrid was to know someone who was always making something. Her knitting needles were rarely still. Mitts, socks, shawls, sweaters, and hats flowed steadily from her needles, each stitch made with care and often destined for someone else. She quietly wrapped friends, family, neighbours, and even strangers in warmth. She simply loved to give. Ingrid loved to travel and was always ready for her next adventure. Scotland held a special place in her heart, where she walked the West Highland Way, explored Orkney and Shetland, attended Shetland Wool Week, and enjoyed knitting retreats. She also loved the East Coast, first travelling to Newfoundland with Max and later sharing a memorable road trip with family. One of her most recent adventures was a family trip to celebrate her grandson’s graduation, complete with memorable experiences, unique places, and a breathtaking sunset visit to Stonehenge. Wherever she went, it was the people, stories, and shared experiences she treasured most. Ingrid leaves behind her children and grandchildren; life-long friends; caring neighbours; extended family in Canada and the Netherlands; and an extraordinary legacy of kindness. Predeceased by her husband, Max, she carried his memory with her for many years while continuing to build a life filled with friendship, family, and adventure. The warmth she created, through her hands, her heart, and her home, will continue to comfort all who were fortunate enough to know her. Honouring her wishes, cremation has taken place; arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services Inc. of Owen Sound. Her life will be quietly celebrated among those closest to her, in the places she loved most. Our family is deeply grateful to the friends, neighbours, and health-care professionals who supported Ingrid with kindness, compassion, and dignity. Your care, friendship, and generosity brought comfort to Ingrid and to all who loved her. If you would like to honour Ingrid’s memory, simply do something kind for someone. She spent a lifetime giving her time, talents, and care to those around her. The lives she touched and the memories she created will be cherished by all. We like to imagine that somewhere, beside an extra hot cup of coffee, knitting in hand, a new adventure awaits.