Hendrika Everdina Barneveld-Them

Hendrika Everdina Barneveld-Them, 103, of Carlisle, PA passed away at UPMC Carlisle Hospital on February 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Never were hearts so full and heavy as she sang her goodbyes with her signature "So Long, Farewell" song, bidding "adieu" and providing comfort and a cherished memory to her loved ones in a way only fitting for a woman of her legacy.

Hendrika was born on February 12, 1922 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to the late Johan Hendrik and Theodora Maaika Barneveld. She grew up near Rotterdam and lived through the Nazi invasion of WWII. She worked for the Dutch resistance and helped deliver secret messages to covert agents working with the underground network during the war.

After the war, she came to America for a fresh start in life, where she met her husband, Philip, in New York City at a German polka dance. They were married at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in 1950, later welcoming two children, Peter and Anne, and moving to Nanuet, New York.

Hendrika left a position working for KLM airlines to be home with her children, though she continued to stay active in her church and community, volunteering at many school and church functions. At St. Anthony's School, she helped with PE class and with fundraisers like the highly anticipated annual Fish Fry. She also served as a Girl Scouts leader and assisted with the Boy Scouts. She loved to sew and embroider, and she lent these artistic talents to the creation of many Halloween costumes over the years. When Hendrika wasn't busy supporting the interests and activities of her adored children, she dedicated her time to volunteering with the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

She and her husband moved to Carlisle in 1997. She loved living in Pennsylvania, planting flowers and gardening. She became involved in activities in Saint Patrick Church, including painting intricate icons to share with her family. She loved spending an hour in adoration and helping with the youth group at church serving food, as well as volunteering at the US Army War College. She dedicated time to visiting the elderly in nursing homes, easily spreading cheer to those who needed it most with her charming Dutch accent, easy conversation, and ready wit. 

As a grandmother, Hendrika, with Philip, took every opportunity to be present in the grandchildren’s lives, traveling near and far to attend birthday parties, first communions, graduations, award ceremonies, and any other special occasion that required celebrating. Hendrika loved to travel all over the world, and over the years, she enjoyed sharing these experiences with her grandchildren, gifting them with special trips and memories to hold dear for a lifetime.

Hendrika is survived by her loving daughter, Anne and husband, Joseph of Woodbridge, VA, and daughter-in-law Debra Them of Carlisle, PA. 

She is affectionately remembered as “Oma” to her 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Hendrika’s grandchildren include Christopher (Allison) Planchak of Virginia Beach, VA, Elizabeth Planchak of Manassas, VA, Jennifer (Stuart) Burchett of Fredericksburg, VA, Katherine Planchak (Jason Neulinger) of Fredericksburg, VA, Kelley (Arthur) Corbett of Mechanicsville, VA, Michelle (John) Miller of Grottoes, VA, Alyssa (Brian) Adams of Mechanicsburg, PA, Andrew (Brittany) Them of Mt. Holly Springs, PA, and Jaclyn Them of Irving, Texas. Her great-grandchildren include Ryan, William, and Maggie of Virginia Beach, VA, Brielle and Gianna of Mechanicsville, VA, Joseph of Grottoes, VA, Aaron and Ashton of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Adeline of Mt. Holly Springs, PA.

Hendrika was preceded in death by her husband Philip Them, her son, Peter Them, and her younger sister Coby and brother Jan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA, with the Reverend Donald Bender as celebrant. A Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Patrick’s Church of Carlisle, PA. Arrangements are being made by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs.