April 30, 1936 – March 14, 2026
Greta passed away peacefully with her loving husband by her side on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Meaford Long Term Care Home in her 90th year.
She was the best friend and beloved wife of Govert ‘Joel’ Jongkind of Meaford. They were married for just shy of 70 years.
Greta was the loving mother of Debora Dehart (Terry) of Schoolcraft, Michigan, Richard Jongkind (Lorraine) of Owen Sound, and Diana Schultz (Brad) of Meaford. She will be lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren: Jessica (Steve), Jordan (Jessica), Allison (Ben), Jacob, Jamie (Jade), Bryan (Candace), Daniel (Brooke), Chelcy (Kyle), Cassandra (Rodger), as well as her 19 great-grandchildren.
She was the much-loved sister of Hennie Annis (Sip van der Meer), Elly Evans, Louise Lise (Henry), Hilda Talsma (Andrew), and sister-in-law Kathryn.
Greta was predeceased by her infant daughter Joanie (1957), her parents Hylke (1981) and Anna Bijker Posthumus (2010), her brother Wietse (2023), brothers-in-law Lloyd Annis (2009) and Dirk Evans (2025).
Greta was born in Leeuwarden in the Province of Friesland in the Netherlands and came to Canada with her parents in May of 1948. She was the oldest child of Hylke Posthumus and Anna Bijker.
During those early years Greta worked during her summer vacation to help the family get settled financially. After graduating from OSCVI High School in Owen Sound she worked at the RCA Victor plant and at the Owen Sound Sun Times newspaper as a proofreader.
In 1951 Greta fell in love with Joel Jongkind, whom she met at church, and they were married on April 27, 1956. They then raised their family and moved from place to place as Joel worked with a pipeline construction firm. During the ‘Pipeline’ years, Greta was the anchor of the family. She was truly amazing at setting up house, finding doctors, dentists, and grocery stores to keep everyone healthy and happy. In many cases it was a difficult time but she never complained.
Greta was very involved in Church work, and sang in the Church Choir, played in the Bell Choir, was involved in the Women’s Guild, and sang solos for funerals and in concerts at the Feversham Presbyterian Church. She had a lovely voice, a totally God-given talent.
Greta was a wonderful Oma and loved caring for her grandchildren, teaching them to swim and being there when she was needed. She adored her family and she will certainly be missed.
Greta is safe in her eternal home; we grieve the loss of our beloved wife, mother, Oma, sister and friend. However, we rejoice at the knowledge that we will meet again.
Greta’s family will receive friends for visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5 until 7 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 11 o’clock, with visiting the hour prior to service. A service of committal and interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Nursing Home Auxiliary (cheques only please) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
