Antonia Vanderhelm

After a long life, Antonia Vanderhelm (née Nooteboom) passed away October 22, 2026 at the age of 98. Antonia was born November 18, 2027 in The Hague, Netherlands and grew up in the nearby city of Rijswijk. She survived World War II, and after marrying Peter John Vanderhelm in 1948, bore two sons, Martin and Ronald. The family immigrated to Canada in 1955 aboard the liner MS Sibajak and settled in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. A third child, Theresa, was born in Burnaby in 1960.

Antonia and Peter lived and worked for many years in Vancouver, and later retired together to a place on the river in New Westminster, reminiscent of their life near the canals where they grew up. Along the way, Antonia assisted customers at Birk’s Jewellers in downtown Vancouver, at the Vancouver Airport in the gift shop, and helped her husband in the family delicatessen as well. Antonia particularly enjoyed singing in a choir and travelling the world. She played a pretty good game of bridge too. Most recently Antonia resided at the Renaissance senior’s home in Langley.

Antonia was predeceased by her husband, Peter, in 2000, and all eight of her siblings. She is survived by her children Marty Vanderhelm (Carol), Ron Vanderhelm (Lena), and Theresa Penney (Doug Penney), as well as five grandchildren (Jennifer, Elyse, Jessica, Kim, and Ashley) and six great grandchildren (Nathen, Finn, Cooper, Grayson, Cora and Malcom).

The family will gather for a celebration of life several months from now. No formal memorial service is planned. We extend a special thank-you to the staff at Langley Memorial Hospital as well as to the Renaissance senior’s home.