Livestream will be available here 10 minutes ahead of the service start time.
Hendrika “Riek” Hofman, devoted wife of nearly 67 years to Dirk Hofman, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. She was the loving mother of Gilbert (Kim), Wilma (Dale), and Gordon (Beth); cherished grandmother of Amanda (Jerry), Tyler (Kellie), Michael, Andrew (Lyndsay), Lydia (Christopher), Jeremy, and Kyle (Alycya); and proud great-grandmother of Alex, Rosalie, Isaiah, Eloise, Bennett, Michael, and Bennett.
Born and raised in Holland, Riek married the love of her life and, just one week after their wedding, bravely set out with Dirk to begin a new chapter in Canada. Their voyage across the ocean was an adventure of its own, but adjusting to a new country and a new language brought challenges that Riek met with resilience, determination, and grace.
Riek embraced life in Barrie with joy and an eagerness to serve. She loved shopping, camping (especially at Nicholson Dam, Site 18) cooking, and baking, with her pies becoming family favourites. Her sewing talents were a gift to many, particularly the wedding parties she helped prepare for their special days. Perhaps her greatest delight came from caring for her grandchildren during their infant years. She also loved assisting with large church meals and frequently opened her home to groups needing a place to gather and eat before events.
As dementia became a part of her journey, Riek found comfort in simpler joys, such as puzzling, watching the Gaithers, sitting in the sunshine on her deck, and sharing tea and cookies. Even then, her heart for hospitality remained unchanged—she continued inviting others to stay for a meal, long after she had stopped cooking.
Riek’s love language was food, and nothing made her happier than having a house full of people. She delighted in feeding others, often sending guests home with something she had made “just because.” Her birthday was one of her favourite celebrations, as she insisted on preparing everything (right down to the cake) so her loved ones could enjoy themselves and leave with full stomachs. At Christmas, she lovingly handmade pajama sets for each grandchild and gifted them their traditional chocolate letters.
One constant throughout Riek’s life was her steadfast faith. She often harmonized to hymns of the faith while working in the kitchen, and even in her dementia years she never forgot the words to those beloved songs. Scripture came readily to her mind, and she frequently shared verses to encourage others. When she could no longer attend Emmanuel Baptist Church, she faithfully joined her church family from home by watching David Jeremiah each Sunday evening alongside Dirk.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. VanZyl and to the many caregivers: Barb, Ruth, Nancy, Kathryn, and especially Gisselle, whose compassion and dedication provided such comfort and support.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 from 1:30 pm until the time of service in the chapel at 2:30 pm. Guests are invited to remain for a reception inside the lower lounge following the service. Interment will take place in the Spring at the Thornton Union Cemetery.
A Livestream of the service will be made available here about 10 minutes prior to the start of the service. The stream will be recorded should viewers wish to view at a later time.
Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com