Obituary of Catharina (Witvoet) "Rini" Koops

With hearts full of both sorrow and comfort we share that Catharina “Rini” Koops (nee Witvoet) passed away peacefully surrounded by family and was welcomed into Heaven on May 19, 2026. Rini will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Herman Koops, and by her four children and eleven grandchildren: Luke and Christina Koops (Justin and Aidan); Fred and Selia Koops (Claire, Bridget, and Adrienne); Grace-Ann Koops and Ralph Bleijerveld (Isaac, Emma Grace, and Aaron); and Alisa and Rick Groot (Harmony, Aria, and Derick). Rini is survived by her brother, Fred Witvoet and sister, Nell "Petronella" Vanturennout. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Avaleigh Groot; her brothers, George Witvoet, Lowell "Lolle" Witvoet, and Bert "Albertus" Witvoet; and her sister, Thelma "Tetje" Reitsma. Catharina “Rini” was born in Joure, Fryslan, the Netherlands on February 11, 1939 to Everhadus and Grietje Witvoet (nee Dijkstra). Rini was the fifth of seven children. A true middle Child with 5 years between her birth and her older and younger siblings. She grew up in the aftermath of WWII and the loss of her father who passed away in 1946. May of 1950, when Rini was 11 years old she immigrated to Canada with her mother and siblings. Rini was a clever student who was careful to learn English without an accent. After completing Highschool, Rini went to Beauty School to become a hairdresser like her father and eldest brother George. After this she was a secretary to the Editor of Calvinist Contact. This was her most cherished and meaningful work. Rini met Harm Koops at a Church Choir Festival near Brampton in August of 1963. They were married in July of 1965 in Hamilton. After meeting Herman, Rini switched professions and became a travel agent, a profession she practiced for many decades. Rini and Herman originally lived in Toronto and moved to London in 1968 to own and operate London Travel Service and eventually Travel with Herman. Rini, with Herman, raised four children while working full time. She thoroughly enjoyed camping with the family and traveling when she could get away. Rini had a quiet and steady faith. She served in the church in various capacities as well as demonstrated her faith to her children and grandchildren. Rini loved to unwind and watch Jeopardy, read a book or play solitaire at the kitchen table after the kids were in bed. Rini was the family champion of word games and Trivial Pursuit. Rini’s best roles were as a Wife, Mother and Oma to her twelve grandchildren. Her grandchildren know her as a progressive, quick-witted person who was always encouraging and loved to sneak them treats. Oma made the best boterkoek which was always called Boter-Koops as it was featured at every family gathering. She was deeply loved and will be missed. A graveside interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in London on Monday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Rini’s life will take place on Tuesday, May 26th at Talbot Street Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon and light refreshments afterward. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Renew,3475 Mainway, P.O. Box 5070, STN LCD 1, Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8 www.worldrenew.ca Online condolences may be made at www.biemanfuneralhome.com (Bieman Funeral Home, 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2 - (519)-268-7672 - in charge of arrangements)