Office Closed Thursday, January 8, 2015
Our hearts are heavy. The Werkman Foot Clinic will be closed this Thursday, January 8th so that we may properly say our goodbyes to 17 month old, Owen van Houwelingen. Owen was very special to all of us. He fought bravely but lost his earthly battle with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.
The van Houwelingen and Werkman family history goes back many years. Owen’s mom, Laura, and her sisters were our amazing almost live-in nannies. As a family, we attended Laura and Kees wedding in Holland 12 years ago.
Owen was born prematurely and was a little guy. Daughter, Rachel had the opportunity to babysit Owen often. Rachel, Kaitlin and Vicki took turns staying with him at McMaster Children’s Hospital so Laura could spend time at home with her husband and son Marco. We all grew to love Owen as our own. We will miss patting his remarkable fuzzy hair.
Laura and Kees have asked for awareness to the condition that claimed their young son. We are honouring their request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome 401 Project, www.401project.com as expressions of sympathy.
http://www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=373488#/obituaryInfo