Shrewsbury—Catrina Marie (Van der Werf) Nieuwenhoff, 94, of Shrewsbury, Holden and Millbury, died surrounded by her family March 15, 2008, in Autumn Village Nursing Home after a long illness. Maria was born on June 25, 1913 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the daughter of Catrinus and Marie (Terpstra) Van der Werf and came to the United States at the age of 7. She was educated in the Boston School system and was proud to be a graduate of Burdett’s College. Mrs. Nieuwenhoff was predeceased by her husband John Nieuwenhoff, Jr., in 1971. She is survived by two daughters; Barbara M. Billings and her husband Thomas of Shrewsbury, Gale P. Clements of Phoenix, AZ, and a son Alan R. Nieuwenhoff and his wife Janet, also of Phoenix, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Her sister, Jeanette Auger predeceased her. She worked as a defense worker during World War II and later for Sprague Electric in Worcester for many years. After retirement, she also volunteered in Worcester for the Elder Care Lunch Program. She spent many years enjoying gardening, bird watching, knitting and ballroom dancing.
Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester Wed., March 19, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. For directions and on-line condolences, please click on link below.