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Ria Smeijers
With deep sorrow EOA EC has to inform about the passing of Ria Smeijers, former chairwoman of the Ostomy Association of The Netherlands and former President of the European Ostomy Association.
She died at the age of 77 on 13th June 2026, four years after the passing of her husband Kes Klare, former EOA webmaster.
Ria was President of the European Ostomy Association EOA from 2011-2017, working tirelessly for ostomates all over Europe, travelling to many countries to bring the needs of ostomates to the attention of the authorities. During her Presidency, the Professor Dr. Gerhard Englert Fund was set up to enable the support of stoma-related projects all over Europe and Africa. In the Ostomy Association of The Netherlands she was very active on the regional level (1984-1997) and on the national level. From 1998 to 2006 she was the chair of “her” national association.
For her outstanding voluntary work in the ostomy world and in other social sectors, in 2006 she was honoured with the Netherlands’ highest award: Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau. And at the IOA Congress in Singapore in October 2024 she was honoured with the prestigious Archie Vinitsky Award. This Award is given to an individual who has made the most outstanding voluntary service at international and/or regional level in support of the activities of the IOA.
Ria was a remarkable woman, warm-hearted, sincere and showing great openness and love towards all those who needed support. She had a special ability to build bridges between people and countries.
EOA EC lost a wonderful woman and a friend.
