Ansie Reitsma - A Tribute

Friday 11th September was a very sad day for not only Stanford but also for Stanford Rotary.  We lost a pillar, a mentor and a friend.

Ansie was a Rotarian in every sense - always looking out for others, especially the elderly and children in need.  She was awarded a Paul Harris in 2015 for her dedication and Service Above Self.

Her passion for the Soup Kitchens began way back in 2009.  She never wanted to see people hungry and worked extremely hard to ensure people in need had food in their tummies.  Ansie also truly cared about the volunteers running the kitchens, making sure they were supported and acknowledged for their hard work.

Soft spot?  Children!  She loved being around them and they were drawn to her - she was their Angel.

Fun days such as Penguin Plunge and Toy Run would find Ansie in the middle of everything, such as on the trailer surrounded by soft toys, chatting to people and serving soups - but she particularly enjoyed handing out the little beaded penguins to participants.

These are just a few snippets as, on reflection, this tribute could easily cover many pages.  A lot of people in Stanford have been touched by Ansie, particularly our community in Stanford South.

Ansie retired from active Rotary duty in 2025 due to her failing health, at which time she became an Honorary Member.  She will be missed but remain forever in the hearts of her Stanford Rotary family.