Obituaries

WILHELMINA ZANDWYK TENNANT Wilhelmina (Willy) Tennant passed away peacefully on February 22, 2021 in Sherman, Texas.

Willy was born June 8, 1946 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to Dick and Fietje Zandwyk. The family emigrated to the US, eventually starting their import store business, The Holland House, where Willy was the professional buyer and managed their original store location.

Willy married the love of her life, Robert Francis Tennant, Jr. June 16, 1973 in Houston, Texas and they had 2 beloved children, Samantha and David.

Willy had a life long love of music and learned to play the accordion and organ while still in Holland. She added the drums to her repertoire while in her high school drill team. And while she could barely carry a tune, that never stopped her from belting out an operatic aria or lively show tune while driving down a remote country road.

Having never met a stranger, Willy would strike up a conversation with anyone in line, celebrities, politicians and presidents, and even the Dutch Queen during a state visit.

A girl scout herself in Houston, Willy went from being a volunteer troop leader to the Executive Director of Grayson County for Cross Timbers Girl Scout Council, increasing membership and getting lots of hugs from kids who knew her as the “Girl Scout Lady”. Upon her retirement, she served on numerous non-profit boards and committees, including those of Girls Inc. of Sherman and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Willy enjoyed the plants and gardens at home, yet also enjoyed her travels. From her and Bob’s years in Panama, to trips across the US to visits to Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Italy, and of course Holland.

Willy is survived by her loving family: Husband Robert Francis Tennant, Jr. of Sherman, Texas; Her daughter Samantha Tennant of Plano, Texas; Her son David Tennant of Jefferson City, Missouri; Her two granddaughters, Kamaro and Cheyenne Tennant; Nieces and nephew, Kim Zandwyk of Houston, Dawn Miller of Pottsboro; Jennifer McReynolds of Keller; and Matthew Rath of New York City; Plus numerous cousins in Holland, Belgium and Spain.

A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County on her behalf at www.homehospice.org or at 505 W. Center St, Sherman, TX 75090.