Hudson – Dirk Leendert Hajema, 93 of Hudson, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 at Marlborough Hospital, after a period of declining health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Ellen M. (Swanton) Hajema.
Dirk was born Sept. 22, 1924, the son of the late Jan Willem and Emma Sophia (Schouten) Hajema, in Indonesia, where he was raised and attended school. He went on to study engineering at a local university. During the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies during WWII, Dirk along with many other spent three years in the Japanese Civilian Prison Camps. After his release he went on to proudly serve in the Dutch Army.
Dirk immigrated to the United States in 1960 and shortly after moved to Brookline in 1962 and eventually settled in Hudson in 1969, where he resided until he passed.
Dirk was very devoted to his Catholic faith and was a long time member of Christ the King Church and later Saint Michael Parish in Hudson, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister.
Dirk was an avid gardener and was known for his beautiful tulips and roses. Dirk also enjoyed listening to Indonesian country and western music; as well as taking art lessons at the Hudson Senior Center, where he created many beautiful oil paintings for his family to cherish. He was a kind and gentle person who was loved by those who knew him and will be truly missed by all.
In addition to his wife, Ellen M. (Swanton) Hajema, he is also survived by his sister, Hermien Pel and her husband Keese Pel of West Zaan, Holland; his sister-in-law, Mary Hajema of Zaandan, Holland; and many nieces and nephews, especially his nephews, Edwin Hajema, Jurgen Hajema, Andre Pel and Hilmar Pel and their families. He was also predeceased by his brother, Hans Hajema, and his nephew, Walter Hajema.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitationWednesday, March 7, from 9-10:30 a.m., at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson, immediately followed by a procession to Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, for an 11 a.m. funeral Mass and burial at Saint Michael Cemetery.
