Mrs Johanna Annie Elisabeth Maria van Dongen Zylmans

Predeceased by her husband Wim, her two sisters Jo and Adrie; lovingly remembered by her daughter Adriana, her son William (Sandra), two grandchildren Angela and William, and numerous nieces and nephews in the van Dongen and Zylmans families in Canada and the Netherlands.

In her youth in Holland, she was the “melk meisje” (milk girl) on her father’s farm. She milked the cows and peddled milk door-to-door with a hand-drawn cart. Over the years, she had a passion for playing the accordion and singing at many social gatherings. She enjoyed spinning wool to make wool sweaters and heavy work socks to be worn with the Dutch wooden shoes. She was married on August 10, 1948 and immigrated to Canada six days later via the boat “Tabinta” out of Rotterdam, arriving in Steveston, BC on August 31, 1948. In 1955, together with her husband Wim, she established one of the first and most successful direct farm marketing enterprises in BC, W&A Farms Ltd. She loved selling strawberries, potatoes, and many different vegetables directly to consumers. The roadside stand was her idea, not her husband’s, which continues today after 61 years, now operated by her son and his wife.

Mom actively promoted Dutch culture in BC through a variety of Dutch organizations and by participating in many festivals, celebrations, and parades, including being the first to start wearing Dutch costumes at these events. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother (Oma), aunt, and sister-in-law, who had a tremendous work ethic and a strong Catholic faith. She was dedicated and loyal in supporting her husband Wim in achieving their dreams in farming. In addition, people in the Dutch and larger community enjoyed her energy, enthusiasm, and her zest for life. She will be lovingly missed by her family, as well as throughout the community.

A Prayer Vigil and Viewing will be held at 7:30pm, on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from Holy Spirit Church, 244 Lawrence Street, Queensborough, New Westminster. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:45am, on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at St. Joseph’s the Worker Church, 4451 Williams Road, Richmond. A reception will follow from 1:30-4:30 PM, Wednesday June 25, 2014, at the Richmond Country Club, 9100 Steveston Highway, Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Johanna (Annie) Zylmans to Vancouver Foundation's Wim Zylmans Agriculture Memorial Fund, which supports the Wim Zylmans Agriculture Memorial Scholarship. Donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt Donations can be made online at http://www.vancouverfoundation.ca" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.vancouverfoundation.ca http://www.vancouverfoundation.ca or by phone at 604-688-2204. Cheques can be mailed to Suite 200 - 475 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 4M9 and payable to Vancouver Foundation with "Wim Zylmans Agriculture Memorial Fund" noted in the subject line.