The family of Audrey van Zuiden gathered in Calgary Monday for a celebration of life for the 80-year-old, who was found dead in her Rideau Park home Oct. 4.
Audrey’s husband, Sigfried “Fred” van Zuiden, has been charged with second-degree murder. Family members say he suffers from dementia; a diagnosis forensic psychiatrist Dr. David Tano echoed in court.
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“My sister Josephine and I are naturally saddened by our sister Audrey’s untimely and tragic death,” reads a statement from Victor Brent and Josephine Tucker, brother and sister to Audrey. “However, we fully appreciate that this was wholly a consequence of a hideous illness.
“None of her family bears any ill-feeling towards Fred. We accept that it was a tragic accident, the sad consequence of a little understood condition.”
Watch below from Oct. 5: The tragic case of 85-year-old Siegfried van Zuiden is raising questions about dementia and the care available. Bindu Suri spoke to one family personally touched by the story.
Brent and Tucker live in the United Kingdom. In the statement, they remembered Audrey as “exuberant and enthusiastic” in a Skype call a few days prior to her death.
“Our sister Audrey and her husband Fred enjoyed a long, fruitful and happy marriage here in her beloved home of Calgary. They were a devoted and inseparable couple.”
Watch below: Global’s past coverage of the tragic death of Audrey van Zuiden
Fred’s godson Vince Walker told Global News a celebration of life is being held Monday afternoon in Calgary. Fred’s sister and brother travelled from Toronto and Holland, respectively, for the ceremony at the Glencoe Club.
Anyone who wishes to share tributes online can visit the funeral home’s obituary page for Audrey here.
“Today we are celebrating the life of Audrey together with her dearest friends from all realms of her life,” reads the statement from her siblings. “Our thoughts will also be for Fred and his future wellbeing.”
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