NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Myra Hiemstra, 76, of New Rochelle, passed away suddenly at home on June 21, 2016. Myra was born on July 13, 1939 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She grew up in the war years and as the eldest of six children, she developed a strong sense of responsibility for all those around her especially family and friends. At the age of 15, her family moved to Toronto, Canada, where Myra completed high school and attended Trinity College, University of Toronto. After completing her BA, Myra returned to live in Amsterdam where she continued to study Psychology, married and started a family.
In 1976 the young family moved to the United States and settled in Larchmont, New York. In her new country, Myra used her ability to speak multiple languages to teach English and guide her foreign students to adapt to their new homeland. Myra was an active member in her community volunteering her time as Deacon of the Larchmont Avenue Church, with the League of Women Voters, and the Woman’s Club of Larchmont.
Myra’s true passion was her family. She delighted in spending time with her children’s families and especially her four grandchildren with whom she had very close and loving relationships. Myra’s love and passion for life will be missed by her family and her extensive network of dear friends. Myra is survived by her two children Thomas Hiemstra (Melinda) of Singapore and Nathalie Hiemstra (Jeff) of Manlius, NY and her four precious grandchildren: (Tyler, Phoebe, Maisie and Hudson) and her brother and four sisters.
Visitation will be Monday, June 27 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Fox Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Myra’s life will be held at the Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY Tuesday, June 28 at 11 am. Myra’s ashes will be buried in the Memorial Garden at the Larchmont Avenue Church in a private ceremony.