Obituary of Theodora Johanna Maria Ensing
Theodora (Dolly) Ensing
1928 - 2026
Theodora (Dolly) Ensing (nee Veldman) passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026 in her 99th year. Loving mother to Chris (Karen), Wilma Morrison (Hector), Dianne (Norman), Carl (Mary), Paul (Debbie), Mary-Lou Perquin (Rob), Ed (Karen), Elsie (Joe) and Andrew (predeceased in infancy). Cherished Oma Dolly to Anne (Cory), Andrew (Maggie), Ryan (Denise), Alex (Laura), Scott (Edlene), Jack (Deanna), Amy, Eric, Melissa (Grady), Sydney (Dan), Mark (Andrea), Thomas (Erin), Nathan (Aimee), Derek (Pamela), Claire (Cooper), and Simon (Carlie). Dear Great Oma Dolly to Harryson, Alora, James, Mary Anne, Joseph, Ethan, Simone, Harlan, Johanna, Georgia, Soukie, Malika, Krisna, Nora, Miles, Liam, Mae, James, William, Jack, Morgan, and Graham. Beloved sister of Al, Ted, Mary, Fran, Willy, and Henry. She is predeceased by her siblings Pete, Wilhemina, Riek, Ben and June, and by her parents Wilhemina and Bernardus Veldman. She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews.
Dolly was born in Didam, Netherlands. Her youth was influenced by the depression, WW2, and her strong loving family. She immigrated to Canada in 1954 and it is there, in a rural setting, that she raised her 8 children. Dolly’s resourcefulness was evident in how she fed her family from her garden and clothed them through her creative designs and sewing skills.
Faith was of great importance to Dolly. Her involvement in the Catholic Women’s League took place over many years. Eventually, she served in a leadership role as president. Dolly was passionate about helping those in need. When her own mother was no longer able to live independently, Dolly moved in and provided her with compassionate care for 10 years. In later years, she spent her winters in Florida, a place she dearly loved. Here she volunteered weekly, hours of work, in soup kitchens, knit countless hats providing warmth for those in need and devoted herself to collecting helpful items for immigrants and grandchildren.
Dolly’s creativity was expressed through her beautiful flower gardens, her hand-sewn quilts, and other fine needlework. She enjoyed collecting stamps and shared this hobby with her grandchildren.
Most of all, Dolly was delighted to spend time with her family.
A private family gathering has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Foodbank in honour of Dolly.
