Obituary of Fenny Zwygers

To view the livestream of Fenny's funeral service, please click HERE

Fenny Zwygers passed away peacefully on February 2nd at Columbia Forest Nursing Home in Waterloo, Ontario. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, and community.

Born in 1932 on a farm in Nieuw Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Gerrit Klingenberg and Christina Hazelaar, Fenny was the 7th of 12 children. The family endured challenging times during the WW2 occupation of Holland and the Klingenberg family’s farm. After the war, Fenny contributed to the family farm and worked as a nurse’s aid in Hilversum until she immigrated with her family to Canada, ultimately settling in Woodstock, Ontario. It was there that Fenny met and married John Zwygers, who had also emigrated from Holland.

Fenny dedicated herself to her family, serving as a stay-at-home mom for many years. She showcased her remarkable skills as a baker, seamstress, and knitter, nurturing her children and later her grandchildren. Fondly remembered by her kids and grandkids for "Oma’s" legendary Pancake Tuesdays, Fenny created cherished family traditions.

Once her children were in school, Fenny began a fulfilling career at Shantz Coach Lines, where she worked for 25+ years as a bus driver for special needs children—an occupation she held dear. Simultaneously, she volunteered at the House of Friendship for 30+ years, also dedicated to working with special needs children.

Around the same time, she developed an interest and passion for weaving, joining the KW Weaver’s Guild, where she achieved mastery. Owning several looms, Fenny tirelessly wove blankets, scarves, and more. Until her mid-80s, she taught and mentored younger weavers, creating and selling her own creations.

Fenny led a faith-driven life, actively participating in the Waterloo Christian Reformed Church. Here, she made history as their first woman deacon and later pastoral elder in the church, ministering to the congregation and especially devoted to supporting single women.

Survived by her loving husband of over 67 years, John Zwygers, and her children Christine Troianello and Terry Baker, Jim and Katie Zwygers, Gary Zwygers and Gwen Battler, along with her grandchildren Jeremy and Emily Zwygers, Steven Zwygers and Alyssa Parisus, Christopher Zwygers, Nicole Zwygers and Bobby Gray, and her great grandchildren Jude, Leah, Kaden, Owen Charlotte and Hannah Zwygers, Fenny leaves behind a deeply cherished family. She is also survived by her brother Harry Klingenberg and her sister-in-law Trientje Klingenberg, along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her son-in-law Jerry Troianello, six brothers, four sisters, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Fenny’s memory will be forever cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at Waterloo Christian Reformed Church, 209 Bearinger Rd., Waterloo.  The funeral service to celebrate Fenny’s life and faith will follow the visitation at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Klingenburg officiating.   A reception will follow the funeral at the church.  Private family interment will be held at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.  For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream of the funeral service will be available on Fenny’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com . 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Fenny’s memory to Operation Smile Canada, The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, or a charity of your choice at www.erbgood.com .