Johanna Van Leeuwen

Johanna van Leeuwen, 69, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in Peoria, Arizona. She was born May 6, 1942 in Holland; the daughter of Jelle and Lena (Buitelaar) Hesselius. When Johanna was 17 she met Jan van Leeuwen through a friend who was dating a friend of his, the couple married May 16, 1963, she was 21. Shortly after they were married they left their families in Holland to pursue a job opportunity in Ontario, Canada, arriving in a small village called Hawkestone, Ontario where Jan and Johanna bought their first home and started a family. Within the next five years 3 girls were born: Lena Marie (Marlene), Carolyn and Anita van Leeuwen. After 11 years in the cold weather they sold their home and moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina. In 1982 they moved to even a warmer climate - Phoenix, Arizona - where they bought a home in Laveen. During the next 20 years Johanna was busy helping 3 girls grow up, buying homes, and starting families of their own. When Jan retired they bought a second home in Prescott and eventually moved there permanently. Johanna met many new friends and spent much of her free time volunteering at the Good Yarn Knitting store making caps for premature babies, blankets for the homeless and gifts for the military. Johanna was known for her love of gardening - specifically flowers. In fact, their home was given an award by the Alta vista Gardens July 2011. She enjoyed collecting antiques and was skilled in needlepoint and sewing. Her favorite TV show was the Antique Road Show. Johanna loved her family and her many friends. She is survived by her husband Jan, and three daughters. A Celebration of Johanna's life was held 1 p.m. Monday, March 26th at the AZ Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carleton streets in Prescott, followed by a committal service at AZ Pioneer Home Cemetery in Prescott.