WEBSTER – Naomi (Van Der Merwe) Bouwer, 58, died Tuesday, July 5, in Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard after being stricken ill at home.
She leaves her husband of 36 years, Johannes L. Bouwer; 2 sons, Johannes L. Bouwer and his wife Laura of Yarmouth, ME and George J. Bouwer and his wife Brittany of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; 2 granddaughters, Kinley and Ember; nieces and nephews. She was eagerly awaiting the birth of a third granddaughter this September.
She was born in Pietermartzburg, South Africa, the daughter of George and Deborah (Le Roux) Van Der Merwe. She graduated from high school and university, specializing in early education. She lived in North Carolina for 7 years and Raymond, Maine for 3 years before moving to Webster in 2008.
Mrs. Bouwer was a kindergarten and primary school teacher in South Africa. She then taught at the United Methodist Church in Fuquay Varina, N. Carolina.
An active member of the United Church of Christ, Federated, she served on the scholarship, pastoral parish relations and outreach committees. She was currently a deacon at the church and she attended weekly Bible study gatherings.
Naomi enjoyed trips to the beach, kayaking and the outdoors. Spending time with her granddaughters was the highlight of her life.
A service to celebrate Naomi’s life will be held Saturday, July 9, at 11:30 AM in the United Church of Christ, Federated, 4 Church Street, with the Reverend Ann S. Gibert officiating. A meal will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the United Church of Christ, Federated, Memorial Fund, 4 Church, St., Webster, MA 01570 to be used towards the purchase of a wheelchair lift at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.