With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Tina (Trijntje) Spithoff announces her unexpected passing at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on July 18, 2025, following a brief illness. She passed peacefully with her family at her side.
Tina was born on March 16, 1937, in Winsum, the Netherlands, to Pieter and Jeltje Fekkes. She was the youngest of three daughters.
Tina began her career in Holland as a nurse, caring for individuals with developmental challenges. She often reflected on how those early years prepared her for the devoted care she would later provide to her beloved son, Peter, who had unique needs.
In 1959, Tina married Harm Spithoff in the Netherlands. That same year, they immigrated to Canada to begin a new life together. In 1980, they proudly became Canadian citizens—a milestone they both deeply cherished.
While Harm worked, Tina lovingly raised their children on the family farm. Over the years, their home was also a haven for many foster children.
After Harm's passing in 1988, Tina continued to live and work on the farm with quiet strength until 2016, when it became too much to manage alone. She then moved into an apartment in Thunder Bay with her son Peter. Following Peter’s passing, Tina remained in the apartment for two more years before requiring additional care. She received support from Wesway until January 2025, when she moved into Roseview Manor. She adjusted well to her new home and found comfort in her room filled with cherished family photos.
Tina was a lifelong and faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church. Her faith was a constant source of strength, and she found lifelong friendships and community within the church. Throughout her life, she gave generously to Christian and nonprofit organizations. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Matthew, and other members of the congregation whose visits to Roseview brought her so much joy.
Tina was immensely proud of her family. She often shared, with a smile, the story of having five children in five years.
Tina is predeceased by her parents Pieter and Jeltje Fekkes; her husband of 29 years, Harm Spithoff; her sister Ruurdtje; her sons Jack (Jake), Michael (Mickey), and Peter; and great-grandson Cameron.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Geertje in the Netherlands; her sons Harold (Ayla) and John (Cathie); her stepdaughter Amy Schilling; her grandchildren Richard (Kristen), Nick (Brittany), Phillip Spithoff, Tamara Spithoff, Jacklyn and Katelyn Spithoff (Alecia), Corey Schilling (Alena), and Jacob Priaulx; and her great-grandchildren Grayson, Easton, Preston, Kayla, Avery, Jake, Carter, and Sadie. Tina also leaves behind many dear friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Wesway for their care and compassion, the team at Roseview Manor for making Tina’s final months comfortable and dignified, and especially to Zach and Greg in the TBRHSC Emergency Department for their kindness during a very difficult time.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 24, at 10:00 a.m., both at the First Christian Reformed Church on Cooper Road (off Arthur Street). Interment will follow immediately at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with a reception to follow back at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Tina’s memory.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
