Dirk L. Hajema

Dirk Leendert Hajema, 93 of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 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 on September 22, 1924, the son of the late Jan Willem and Emma Sophia (Schouten) Hajema, in Purwokerto, Indonesia, where he was raised and attended school. He went on to study engineering at a local technical institute. During the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies prior to and 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. In 1950, his family was relocated to the Netherlands.

Dirk immigrated to the United States in 1960 on the SS United States and shortly after moved to Brookline, MA in 1962, eventually settling in Hudson, MA 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 where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and later became a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson. Dirk was an avid gardener and was known for his beautiful tulips and roses. Dirk also enjoyed listening to Indonesian and American country western music. He also took art lessons at the Hudson Senior Center, where he created many beautiful oil paintings for his family to cherish. Dirk 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, he is also survived by his sister Hermien Pel and her husband Kees of West Zaan, Holland; his sister-in-law, Mary Hajema of Zaandam, Holland; and brother Wil Hajema.  Many nieces and nephews especially his nephews, Edwin and, Jurgen Hajema, Andre and Hilmar Pel and their families. He was also predeceased by his sisters Anna (Hajema) Akiel, Jeanne Elvire Hajema, brothers Louis Adolph Hajema, Hans Hajema and nephew Walter Hajema.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 9-10:30 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St. Hudson, MA; immediately followed by a procession to Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St, Hudson, MA for an 11 am Funeral Mass and burial at Saint Michael Cemetery.