A legend, the queen of the Zeedijk or an icon. Just three descriptions we hear on the Zeedijk when it comes to Trees. She lived her whole life on the Zeedijk and died yesterday at the age of 85. Anyone who ever met her will miss her, because she was a flamboyant and colorful appearance. And once you started talking to her, you couldn’t get rid of it.
Armin van Zutphen was her neighbor for 25 years and already misses Trees: “She always walked by in her flamboyant creations on sky-high heels, or she waved from her window.” Her clothing style in particular was striking, because even though she was in her 80s, she looked “to perfection” every day, says Rob van Hulst. He knew her personally and was always impressed by her.
“Honey, they walk like booties”
Nobody really knew how old Trees was exactly. But she had a timeless look, says Amin. Another acquaintance explains that she stuck to a certain era in a colorful way. White teeth, nice hats, thick make-up, curls over her shoulders; it is all mentioned when it comes to Trees.
Opposite Trees’ house is the record store of Raoul and Bas, who occasionally helped their neighbor with chores, groceries and always had a chat with her anyway. “Just like us, Trees loved to collect and she wanted the best for the neighborhood and the city. I will miss that.”
Sinatra
Raoul also says that Trees was a big fan of Frank Sinatra. “She was such a fan that she blasted his music through the streets.” Especially on Sundays, explains Michael Bruynse, owner of the café opposite her house. “She was a special person.”
What local residents and acquaintances will miss the most are her presents on holidays and the daily chats. Trees was always up to date with all the news and “once she got a hold of you, she couldn’t be stopped.”
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