Dear Nicholas and Petronella,
I recently received the In Loving Memory Card for your late parents, Sjoerd and Topsy.
I was saddened to hear the news, and I extend my condolences to you both, and to your families.
Topsy first wrote a card to me on February 29 2016; I still have this card. It was addressed to me c/- Kogarah Historical Society, who then readdressed it to me. I received Topsy’s card at Easter time 2016, and recall that I said to myself “who is writing to me from The Netherlands.”
Since then, we have exchanged many emails, and I had the pleasure of meeting Topsy and Petronella in October 2019 whilst in Amsterdam, en-route to Glasgow in Scotland.
I am pleased that, through my historical writing, Topsy was able to reminiscence about her years in Sydney, Australia. It brought back fond memories to her. I will miss her bright and cheery emails, which sometimes made comments on world events and leaders.
Topsy lived a wonderful life in Australia and The Netherlands. I will plant a flower in my lovely garden to remember her by.
Sincerely, Anne Field
Topsy and Anne October 5 2019 – The Mercure Hotel, Amsterdam
