Gwen Hendriksen

It is with intense heartbreak that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Gwen Hendriksen, at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, late in the afternoon on January 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.

Mom was born in the quaint seaside community of Tangier, NS, to Silas and Bernadine (née Monk) Mason on February 11, 1940.

Having lost her father at a young age and striving for independence, Mom decided to pursue her endeavours in the city of Halifax when she was just 17. She was working at the Cole Harbour Hospital when she met the love of her life, our father, Frank Hendriksen, who had recently immigrated from Holland. Together with her newfound love, they set off for Ontario and employment at the GM plant. They married in Oshawa a short time afterward.

Longing for home, family, and the Eastern Shore, Mom and Dad moved back to Tangier, where their first child was born. Unfortunately, heartbreak followed with the death of their infant son, Jonathan, at five months of age. Seeking the comfort of her family, Gwen left for Cape Breton and the support of her sister Sheila.

There, she forged a new start with her entrepreneurial husband and went on to have three more children: Anthony, Jackie, and Paul. While raising us, Mom worked at various jobs in the hospitality and fishing industries and later became the administrative support for the family business, Arm of Gold Fisheries.

Mom fought many battles with cancer, but cancer did not define our mother. Her unyielding strength, determination, and the support of her family saw her through.

Mom had an abundance of love for us. She was generous with patience, forgiveness, compassion, and sincerity. She was always supportive of our endeavours. She made us feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. She was our trusted advisor. Love forged Mom’s path in life, and it never wavered.

Our friends were Mom’s friends. She never knew who was coming to breakfast and was a mother to everyone. She was accommodating to many friends and family from both Canada and Holland. Mom made our childhood magical. It wasn’t unusual to awaken to the sounds of foreign languages, the smells of special coffee and Dutch cigarettes, or to new voices down the hall. She had a talent for making all feel welcome and was a generous host to many visitors over the years.

Our mother’s life was blessed with several grandchildren who made her “young again.” She travelled with them and followed their lives with enthusiasm.

Mom is predeceased by her son Johnny in infancy; her husband of 65 years, Frank Hendriksen (whom we lost only 17 months ago); and her siblings Jamie, Lloyd (Cubie), Jackie, Vanora, and Glen.

She is survived by her loving children, Anthony (Donna), Jackie (Scott), and Paul (Peggy); her brothers Foster and Bill and sister Sheila; her grandchildren Nicholas, Rachel, step-grandson Wade, Lydia, Meredith, Kristiaan, and Isla Hendriksen; and by many adored nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to acknowledge the incredible love and compassionate care given by the doctors, nurses, and all support staff along Mom’s final journey. We are truly humbled. So many of you contributed, and you know who you are. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you for supporting us and answering all of our questions during our time of uncertainty. We are grateful for the loving honour guard that led her home.

We are so appreciative of the friends and family who sent food, called to check in, or visited to express their sympathies. Thank you, Foster, Sheila, and Billy, for your memories of your sister and our Mom.

As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation. Cremation has taken place, and the family will gather at a later date for a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, and in honour of Mom’s memory, donations may be made to the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Big Bras d’Or Food Bank.

Dearest Mom,
We are sad to see you leave, but we know that somewhere you are young again. You are dancing. You are beautiful. You are happy. You are with Dad.

“If life was a song, we listened only to the melody — but you, Mom, took the time to learn all the words.”

Thank you, Mom, for everything. We love you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gwen Hendriksen, please visit our floral store.