Theodora “Do” Arends, 91, died peacefully Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center where she had resided since 2012. Daughter of the late Dirk and Lolkje Conneman, Do was born in the Scheveningen part of The Hague on August 10, 1926. She showed much tenacity and resourcefulness during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. Having survived the ravages and horrors of living in a war torn country, she denounced war.
Always a free spirit, with a sense of adventure, Do lived in South Africa for 10 years and emigrated to the U.S. in the 1970’s , to be closer to her son. She and her husband owned and operated a print shop on Cape Cod for many years, retiring to Western Mass. Do was a member of the Irish Club while living on the Cape and donated to many animal welfare programs, having been an avid animal lover throughout her life. She enjoyed classic films, jazz/classical music and the arts. She touched many with her warm, generous and hospitable nature and her many gestures to those she loved.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Do is survived by her daughter Erna Page of South Africa, her daughter-in-law Paula Arends of Belchertown, her grandchildren David and Debbie Page Atwell of South Africa; T.J. Arends of Pawtucket, RI; Laura Leitao of Cape Cod and Dan Arends of Belchertown. She also leaves her niece Ingrid den Hartog of NL, as well as extended family and friends in the Netherlands. Sadly, in addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Jacobus “Jim” Arends, her beloved son Theodorus “Tom” Arends, her siblings Ems van der Roest and Laurens Conneman and her son-in-law Brian Page.
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Jill Norton lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Paula arends lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Don & Deb Chase lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, TJ Arends lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, George and Jan Simpson lit a candle
Do was my great aunt, my grandmothers sister. I visited her last in 2008. We shared the love for jazz, movies and animals and the need to rescue them, especially cats. I miss her. Btw, I could only post this by logging on to an American server, because condoleances from Holland are blocked. Do would say "shame". Love you tante Do
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Carla Chiavelli lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Donna Moller lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Michele lit a candle
Lieve Do Thank you for all you did for me over the past 26 years. You were a kind and generous woman with much compassion and spirit. Now you can rest easy with Jim, your adored Theo, and all your loved ones. Ik hou van je, Paula
I will always love you my sweet and kindhearted grandmother. Your loving ways have made my life special being with you. Miss you my friend. Love your grandson Danny.
Visiting hours at the funeral home will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 AM.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA Burial will follow in Island Pond Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s association or animal shelter of your choice.
August 10, 2011
January 1, 1970
March 25, 2048
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Jill Norton lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Paula arends lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Don & Deb Chase lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, TJ Arends lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, George and Jan Simpson lit a candle
Do was my great aunt, my grandmothers sister. I visited her last in 2008. We shared the love for jazz, movies and animals and the need to rescue them, especially cats. I miss her. Btw, I could only post this by logging on to an American server, because condoleances from Holland are blocked. Do would say "shame". Love you tante Do
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Carla Chiavelli lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Donna Moller lit a candle
In memory of Theodora "Do" Arends, Michele lit a candle
Lieve Do Thank you for all you did for me over the past 26 years. You were a kind and generous woman with much compassion and spirit. Now you can rest easy with Jim, your adored Theo, and all your loved ones. Ik hou van je, Paula
I will always love you my sweet and kindhearted grandmother. Your loving ways have made my life special being with you. Miss you my friend. Love your grandson Danny.
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.