Anouk Anna Maria Wilhelmina Anouk van de Wijnboom

Anouk was born at St. Anna Hospital in Geldrop, The Netherlands, on Sunday January 1 in 1993.

A tiny little girl at 46 cm tall, weighing 2120 gram. She was the third child and only daughter of Wim and Mieke van de Wijnboom. Her two older brothers Luuk and Koen proudly announced her arrival at school in Lierop. Every year family and friends would come over to celebrate her birthday and New Years day with lots of cake and fun.

Growing up with two brothers she loved to play outside. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it.

Eager to explore she once went out on her little tricycle only to be found by her great-aunt peddling around at the church. Wherever she went she would find the smallest puddle of mud only to sit in it and get dirty. Anouk was left-handed, and for us to teach her to tie her shoes was a challenge. When she started to eat by herself with a spoon she had her "special" spot at the table because all of us are right-handed. A teacher once gave us a little note to explain the "cut" in her shirt. Anouk was so busy and concentrated at work with a little pair of scissors in pre-school that day, when all of a sudden there was this little hole in her shirt! Before she was able to read, she told me that she wanted reading glasses because she wanted to read. She explained that Oma Cisca was always looking for her reading glasses when she had to read something!

The first five years of her life she lived with her family in Lierop, where she became best friends with Saskia Coolen. They played hours together having tea parties, strolling their dolls, riding their bikes, or just hanging out on "Frank Doucette square" close to our home. She loved our family visits to Grandpa and Grandma, and was very fond of Aunt "Netje" and Uncle Frans who lived on the family farm. Together with her family she traveled to Vienna in Austria, Stavoren and s'Gravenzande to visit family members on special occasions. In 1996, she went with the family on a trip to Canada. There she met our "new" family and enjoyed the mountains and lakes of British Columbia.

We all enjoyed it so much that we decided to come and live in BC. On May 11, 1998 when she was five years old, Anouk moved with her Mom and Dad and her brothers Luuk and Koen, to Abbotsford, BC. Her brightly coloured "Rainbow" bike was the last item in and the first one out of the moving truck. She was so happy to see it again. She took it into the backyard and tried it out on the platform we had there. Not used to living on a mountain side she tumbled down the stairs with her bike. It left a little scar on her leg. In January 1999, the family settled down in Chilliwack.

It was there that she built her very first snowman and as proud as she was she carried it inside to show it to her Mom. After some explanation she found a nice spot for it outside, on a pedestal right in front of the house! As a child she attended Strathcona Elementary. Anouk was an active child who loved to swim, dance and roller blade. When she was in kindergarten she went with her class skating in Chilliwack, once on the ice she just took off on her skates and didn't need anything to keep her balance. Her teacher and classmates were impressed with that! After school she would play with her dolls and had fun with her friends. She enjoyed riding her bike and she liked to dress up and perform on the trampoline.

Anouk was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings like soccer and hockey. In middle school, Anouk once played volleyball during gym class and ended up in the Emergency Ward at Chilliwack Hospital with a "popped out" knee. For several weeks she was in a wheelchair and her boyfriend at that time, Daniel Davis, pushed her around from one class to the other.

Anouk's memorable achievements included her swimming diplomas, Baby-sitting certificate, and being a Strathcona Star reader. In Chilliwack Middle School she enjoyed being a WEB-leader. However, to Anouk, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends Sarah and Katie Tissington, Rebecca Turner, Alanis Laity, and Victoria Ward.

A typical teenager, Anouk had a fairly happy high school experience. She became close friends with Courtney McNama and Kalene Wiebe, and best friends with Samantha Lee Gauthier. She graduated from Chilliwack Senior Secondary School in 2011. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favourite subjects and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was Psychology. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Steve Anderson. In addition to graduating, she received an award for Excellence in Psychology GDS. Anouk was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favourite events whenever she had the chance to do so. She would beg her brother Luuk and his girlfriend Sydney to take her along to the Chilliwack Chiefs hockey games.

In middle school Anouk started her after school job at Minter Country Gardens working at the Callicarpa Cafe.

After graduating from high school she got hired full time. Showing a strong work ethic, Anouk worked diligently and did her best to succeed as an Assistant manager/server. This is where she became friends with Florian in 2012.

In 2013, she went to UFV and graduated as a Dental Receptionist. However, it was not what she expected from it at all. Then she was hired as an Optometric Assistant at Visions Optical in Chilliwack. She missed her clients so much that she decided to go back to Minter Country Garden in 2014. They were very happy to have her back! Since being diagnosed with Crohn's disease she was really into healthy food. In 2015, she was the first employee to work full time at "The Curly Kale" restaurant in Chilliwack. Everything was organic and from local businesses. She enjoyed it so much there, she took each one of us at one time to see were she worked and to try out the menu.

Anouk always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. Anouk was a tiny person and at one time one of the owners was looking for her and finally found her behind a big plant working her way through, to dust off the leaves.

Anouk enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were pottery, scrapbooking, crafting and baking.

She loved to read (The Fault in our Stars) or watch a movie (Ted). She would always make time to visit with her friends and family or take them out for coffee, lunch, or dinner. She loved to celebrate special occasions. She traveled four times to The Netherlands to visit family. She also went on a vacation to Ontario to visit her friend Victoria. In 2009, we spent a couple of days at her aunt Anita's in Rotterdam in The Netherlands. While we were there, we visited a giant flea-market and suddenly Anouk was gone! Thinking she went ahead to join her aunt I just kept walking and looking at the merchandise. Then I spotted my sister Anita but no Anouk.....my heart skipped a beat! We went back and forth two times through the crowd and finally my sister spotted Anouk waiting on a corner of the street.

Was I ever happy to see her. For many years we would remember and laugh about this incident during our shopping outings in the mall.

Anouk was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favourites was Chester, a guinea pig she brought home after an afternoon playing with Sarah and Katie. Katie wanted an iguana so Anouk took over the guinea pig. For six years she took good care of him. He would always "call" her when she was home from school. She grew up and was very fond of the family dog Shadow. She would spend time with Toast, the cat, and Smokey, the bunny. She wasn't impressed with the chickens that we had. She met Koen's dog Chevy in June 2015 and surprised him with a big bone. After each visit before she would leave she would always give him a big hug.

On November 27, 2013, Anouk and Florian Panduru started dating. To celebrate their 1st anniversary Anouk arranged a romantic sunset cruise in Vancouver

in August 2014. Florian also had a surprise for her and took her out to the revolving "Top of Vancouver" restaurant for their 1st anniversary in November 2014.

During summertime they loved to go camping with friends. Together they had a wonderful time. Anouk loved him so much! She dreamed of a country themed wedding in our yard, with an arch and lots of sunflowers and roses. Here are a few words from Florian four months after her passing.

May 17 2016

"Though we may be apart for now, I know our story is not over. You used to always tell me that you love me "till the end of time." It felt good to hear but at the same time it used sadden me to think that there could ever be an end to what we have. When you left this world those words kept echoing through my mind. And for a time I hurt so bad knowing there was indeed an end of time for us. However, time only exists in this physical consciousness. In reality, time doesn't exist. Therefore, loving each other "till the end of time" means loving each other eternally. As such, there will be a point in which our story will continue. What I am to endure and experience in the mean time I am uncertain of, but you are my greatest desire and I count the days until we are together again! I love you, Anouk! Till the end of time!"

Anouk (Anna Maria Wilhelmina) Van De Wijnboom passed away on January 17, 2016 at Royal Columbian Hospital at the age of 23

from complications of Crohn's Disease. Services were held at Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home.

Anouk was laid to rest at Little Mountain Cemetery in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Anouk was a gentle, kindhearted person; always thoughtful and concerned with the wellbeing of everyone around her. She was caring, loving and maintained a positive outlook no matter the circumstances. Anouk was a vital part of our lives and leaves behind many cherished memories. She will be lovingly remembered by everyone whose life she touched.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

Some memories that were shared by Anouk's brothers Luuk and Koen during the celebration of life,

(L)

When Mom told us our little sister was born, we both looked at each other concerned mostly about our toys,

But that quickly changed and we made it our duty to raise her by "our rules."

(K)

We taught her right from wrong and how to build Lego,

but she was always more interested in her toy-kitchen and supermarket or

playing house with her dolls where we would occasionally be invited in.

(L)

The three of us had a unique bond, it usually involved making faces at Anouk

to make her laugh at inappropriate times to get her into trouble.

(K)

Anouk always took the high road and never gave us attitude or negativity.

She was completely selfless and put everyone before herself.

This would wear everyone thin, especially me. I'm the short fuse which usually scared her boyfriends away.

(L)

We always wanted the best for her, and to make sure she didn't settle for less than she deserved.

Anouk never gave herself enough credit for how special she was.

(K)

We always knew Anouk was special because growing up in The Netherlands,

she would spend hours vacuuming the entire house with a toy vacuum.

I know it takes a special person to enjoy doing that!

(L)

When we moved to Canada and Anouk started school, her teacher asked her if she went by Anouk or Anna?

She must have thought "Anna" sounded better because when parent teacher interviews came mom wasn't too pleased when everyone

was waving and saying "Hi Anna." The look on Anouk's face was priceless and an "oh crap, I'm busted" moment was going through her head.

(K)

Anouk was so excited to become an aunt and was hoping for a little niece.

Most likely because she always wanted to have a little sister.

Who could blame her, look what we put her through. From convincing her that if you stepped on dandelions barefoot your feet would fall off, to telling her she was adopted where she was so convinced she cried and asked mom. Shortly after we got in trouble.

(L)

Anouk always showed pride in her baking and cooking. Even though our stomachs didn't always agree.

She did have dad to compete with for the best cakes in the house, which is a tough act to follow.

But she put her heart and soul in it and honestly, she made terrific desserts.

(K)

Anouk started working at Minter's and shortly after met Florian.

She talked to us about him and tried to convince us as best as possible of how great he was.

He came over and I saw this white fox body convertible Mustang in the driveway thinking,

"Oh, great Vanilla Ice is at our house." The nickname stuck.

But he wasn't like the other guys we met through her before. Very affectionate and very appreciative, just like Anouk.

He got along with the family and later on always took care of her, and he wasn't scared away after two weeks!

(L)

There came the time Anouk was old enough to drive.

I know, I couldn't believe she passed her test.

As we are both mechanics we knew we would be stuck fixing this "awesome first car."

Dad was quickly ready to buy her what she wanted but we quickly shut down her plans.

Her Honda Civic was her car, truck, or pretty much a tank as she took it everywhere.

She could, and would, go through intense interrogation on where she went after she came home and the transmission fluid was burnt.

"We went camping," she answered. Later we found out what she meant was that she took her fully loaded car up a logging road way up in the mountains, following jeeps and trucks!

(K)

Anouk always down played it if she did something wrong. The little, big-blue-eyed girl always got away without trouble.

We will miss her everyday and will love her always.

Hopefully she forgives us for what we put her through, but we think it helped make her the tough girl that she was.

Everyone will always remember her as the quiet, hardworking, selfless, young woman who would stop and drop everything to help anyone who needed her.

Here are two of Anouk's favourite songs that were played at the Celebration of Life,

Coldplay Lyrics

"The Scientist"

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry

You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you

Tell you I need you

Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets

And ask me your questions

Oh, lets go back to the start

Running in circles

Coming up tails

Heads on a science apart

Nobody said it was easy

It's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be so hard

Oh, take me back to the start

I was just guessing

At numbers and figures

Pulling the puzzles apart

Questions of science

Science and progress

Do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me

Come back and haunt me

Oh, and I rush to the start

Running in circles

Chasing our tails

Coming back as we are

Nobody said it was easy

Oh, it's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be so hard

I'm going back to the start

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh

P.O.D. Lyrics

"Alive"

Everyday is a new day

I'm thankful for every breath I take

I won't take it for granted

So I learn from my mistakes

It's beyond my control, sometimes it's best to let go

Whatever happens in this lifetime

So I trust in love

You have given me peace of mind

I feel so alive for the very first time

I can't deny you

I feel so alive

I feel so alive for the very first time

And I think I can fly

Sunshine upon my face

A new song for me to sing

Tell the world how I feel inside

Even though it might cost me everything

Now that I know this, so beyond, I can't hold this

I can never turn my back away

Now that I've seen you

I can never look away

I feel so alive for the very first time

I can't deny you

I feel so alive

I feel so alive for the very first time

And I think I can fly

Now that I know you (I could never turn my back away)

Now that I see you (I could never look away)

Now that I know you (I could never turn my back away)

Now that I see you (I believe no matter what they say)

I feel so alive for the very first time

I can't deny you

I feel so alive

I feel so alive for the very first time

And I think I can fly

I feel so alive for the very first time

I can't deny you

I feel so alive

I feel so alive for the very first time

And I think I can fly

Poem by

-Mary Elizabeth Frye-

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight.

I am the star shine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there.

I did not die

Moments in Time:

As her mom, I will never forget her beautiful smile!

Her two front teeth a little bit "chipped" because of sucking her thumb as a little child.

When the dentist recommended her to have them restored she told him "I like the way they look!"

One morning, I had some trouble with my hair and she would say, "It looks like you really tried to do something with your hair!"

When I couldn't decide what to wear to a wedding of one of our nephews, she said "Nobody will look at that anyway."

And that describes exactly how she was. She never had the urge to be perfect and didn't expect it from any one else.

Problems were solved very easy and when it didn't turn out perfect it was just fine.

She could make you feel special, and loved in her own special way. It's hard to describe - without a word she could tune into your feelings or thoughts, smile at you, and you would feel so much better!

Thanks Anouk for being my lovely daughter. So sad we weren't given more time to enjoy and laugh together.

Love you lots ♥︎♥︎♥︎ Mom ♡

When Anouk passed the knowledge test and came home with her L, it was time to take her out on the road.

Every Sunday morning, Anouk would wake up early, eager for her driving lessons with Dad.

The very first time, they took the back roads of Chilliwack to let her get used to the car and the instrument cluster.

She really enjoyed this and was very excited about finally driving a car.

However, Dad noticed a problem every time she had to make a left or right turn. She would start turning the steering wheel too early.

Dad got really nervous and scared.

When she made a turn into one of the side streets across from Minter Garden, he decided to make a stop. Something was wrong.

He told her to let him know when she couldn't see his finger anymore. Dad got out of the car and walked to the front of it.

There he put his finger on the hood right under the front window, slowly moving it down the hood of the car.

Eventually, it was clear that she drove around with just over half the hood of the car visible to her.

Dad got back in the car and said, "Let's go home and pick up some pillows!"

With a couple of pillows under her bum, she was able to see the hood all the way to the front and the problem was solved.

Dad could finally breathe during driving lessons, and Anouk did a wonderful job since then.

After a number of really pleasant driving lessons with her Dad, Anouk took the road test and passed it the very first time.

Her brothers were a little jealous because they both needed two attempts to pass the driving test.

We all were very proud of her, especially her Dad. And oh boy, did she ever enjoy driving!

Miss you "Sunshine" ......love Dad

Anouk was looking forward to meet Luuk and Sydney's baby.

In the book, "Curious George" written by H.A. Rey, she wrote the following message:

My sweet little angel, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and giggles.

I can't wait till I finally get to hold you in my arms.

I will love you forever and Always ♥︎

♥︎ Anouk

She held Max in her arms on September 09, 2015, at Abbotsford Hospital.

My thoughts when my Mom and Dad asked me to write down my favourite memories of Anouk were; “How am I going to put 23 years worth of memories on paper?” Well, here it goes:

Dear Anouk,

I can still remember when Mom and Dad told Koen and I that Mom was pregnant and we were going to have a sibling. “Perfect another brother we can play with!” We never put much thought into the fact that our new sibling could be a girl. Then it happened, 5.05 PM, January 1st 1993, our baby sister was born. We were proud big brothers, and we made it our duty to protect you from any harm. I remember putting you in a laundry basket at the top of the stairs in our house in Lierop, making sure to pack it as full as possible with pillows and blankets to keep you safe, before pushing you down. Over the next little while, our toy room changed. It was divided up into a boy/girl section. Our Lego creations were moved to make room for a kitchen and grocery store, doll beds and strollers, and many other of your pink girly things.

One of my most vivid memories of you is when you got her toy vacuum cleaner for your 2nd birthday, Koen and I both laughed at the fact that you were so excited about it. You spent many hours cleaning the house with it.

Our first big family vacation was a “road trip” to Austria in 1994, with a rented travel trailer behind mom and dad's car to visit Mom's youngest brother Uncle Rene and Claudia who had just had their first child. We stayed at a campground where you spent a lot of time playing in the only muddy spot within walking distance. The other memory I have of you during this vacation is when you were riding on the trailer hitch pretending to ride a horse.

Then a short while later, in the summer of 1996, we went on a vacation trip to Canada. Hard to believe you were only 3 years old at this time. We made many memories including an afternoon in Dinotown. You became obsessed with a few of the Dino characters in the park. When we got back home to The Netherlands, you decided our new kitten should be named “Dusty” after one of these characters. Shortly after we got back from our trip it was time for you to join us at our Elementary school, “ ’t Rendal ” in Lierop. You were always excited to go to school and made good impressions on your teacher “Margo” and fellow classmates. I remember you and your friend Saskia spending hours walking in high heels pushing your favourite dolls in strollers around the park by our house while Koen and I played soccer with our friends. We always kept a watchful eye on you, except for the time when you rode your bike all alone to the church parking lot.

Next was our big move to Canada in May of 1998, you were so disappointed that you couldn't go to school yet in Abbotsford. Some of my first memories after our move include seeing you, singing along with your Dinotown cassette tape, and of course witnessing you ride your bike down the stairs in the backyard shortly after it was unloaded from the shipping container. When it was finally time for you to go to school in Canada, you did not enjoy it as much as in The Netherlands. I remember you being frustrated that your teacher didn't speak any Dutch.

In 1999 we moved to Chilliwack, you attended Kindergarten at Strathcona elementary. I remember when mom and dad came home from your parent/teacher conferences with Mrs. Young, only to discover you had changed your name to Anna! Koen and I thought it was hilarious and teased you for a long time about it. Right Anna?

This is where time seemed to fly by, Koen and I became teenagers and didn't feel the need to spend all our time with Barbie's and princess things. We went off to middle school and started after school jobs while you were still our little Sister. I do remember spending a lot of time together on the trampoline, sharing stories about our days. Next came our first cars and trucks, you always wanted to come along for the ride, you would talk and dream about one day having your own license and car. So that you could take Mom for coffee and shopping. You talked about how you could buy our cars when we were done with them and how we could fix them for you whenever they broke down.

Next came the awkward time when I started dating and you insisted on being a third wheel ALL THE TIME. I don't think you quite understood how frustrating this was at times, maybe you did ha ha. Once in a while Sydney and I would take you with us to Chilliwack Chiefs games or to see a movie. This is when I started to realize that my little sister was growing up, you would have conversations about how “hot” some of the hockey players or actors were with our girlfriends. You would be the guinea pig for make-up and hair dye experiments and Mom would laugh at the results.

Your promise of “not having boyfriends until I'm at least 25” was broken less then a week after it was made. Strangely enough most of your relationships didn't last long after you brought the guys home. Come to think of it, your older brothers must have been a little intimidating for these poor “boyfriends”. Next came the stage I refer to as the “advice stage," I think you were starting to realize that you could benefit from our knowledge. You started to ask us about certain cars that friends and co workers were trying to pawn off on you. You inquired on topics like house pricing, cost of living and good vacation/road trip destinations. Koen and I always tried to help as much as possible. We were proud of you when you graduated from Chilliwack Senior Secondary in 2011.

You were excited when I bought my first house, a town house on the other side of Chilliwack. You instantly became obsessed with owning your own apartment and I had to take you back to reality again, pointing out that you were quite a bit younger than me and that you would have to save up a lot of money first. You were disappointed but understood and appreciated the explanation and advice.

Then came the time when you got your driver's license, you passed on the first try too! A feat never accomplished by Koen or I. We couldn't believe it, how was it possible that our baby sister grew up so fast that she was now allowed to drive a car? It was a scary thought, we always gave you a hard time that you didn't grow tall enough to drive yet. Then came the time for you to buy your first car, you were so excited! I remember when you and dad came by at the shop in an old Hyundai Accent from a local dealership, the red paint was so faded it looked pink, the transmission fluid so badly burnt it was a miracle the car still moved. You thought you had found the perfect car. Koen and I quickly burst your bubble and told you to bring this P.O.S back before it craps out. You were so mad at us that we did not approve. But we had agreed that we got the final approval since we would be the ones fixing your car. Koen and I eventually let you buy a blue 2005 Honda Civic. You were ecstatic with your first car, and used this newly found freedom to hang out with friends and go out for dinner at all the local restaurants. You also used it to commute to Abbotsford to attend UFV for a while. The car also gave us a reason to re connect, we had drifted apart over the last few years while we were both busy with our own lives. Oil changes and minor repairs meant we had some time to catch up and chat, we'd make plans to get together and hang out. Then one day you mentioned “by the way, there's this guy and his name is Florian. DON'T chase him away, he's a good guy.” I immediately went into older brother mode and interrogated you about this guy. Turns out you met him at Minter gardens, where you both worked. Koen and I were both skeptical at first, Florian was older then we expected, and he drove a Mustang. We took it easy on Florian because we saw you were truly head over heels in love. You talked about all the occasions to celebrate with Florian. I heard about the special places you went on dates and the dreams of moving out together one day.

Your birthday was always exactly a month after mine, ever since you started working you would give me a birthday card with $100 in it.

I, in turn, would take this money and put it aside for a month and give it back to you a month later and told you to keep your money. This continued for a few years until I tried to put an end to it by converting the $100 to one hundred $1 coins. I was even nice enough to use packing tape to make a long string of these loonies and put them in a nice tin for you. I'll never forget the look of surprise and sheer terror on your face when you realized what I had gifted you. Florian and you were busy for a while trying to extract your birthday money that day.

In early 2015, Sydney and I shared the news that we were expecting our first child, you were very excited to become an Auntie. You wouldn't stop talking about how you couldn't wait to find out if it was a boy or a girl, or what names we were thinking about.

Later on, when Sydney and I bought our house close to mom and dad's house, you and Florian helped us pack up our things at the townhouse. We reminisced on the good memories at the townhouse and had some good laughs at your expense due to your lack of height and not being able to reach anything from the top kitchen cabinets. You packed up some of my prized Lego sets and jokingly wrote

” Luuk's Lego, do not drop or he will kill you” on the boxes.

On September 9, 2015 Sydney and I had our baby, a boy named Max. You and Florian came to visit in the hospital in Abbotsford.

Little did I know, that these precious moments would become my favourite memories of you. You were so proud to be an Aunt, and accepted little Max with open arms. Later on we heard from coworkers and friends about how much you bragged about your cute little nephew. Your new year's resolution for 2016 was to smile more, I didn't understand, you were always smiling. Sadly you passed away a few weeks later, I wish we could have had more time together to make more happy memories. We said Goodbye for the final time, and Max did not understand why you were sleeping in your casket, you looked so beautiful and peaceful.

RIP Anouk.

Well, there it is, a few of my favourite memories of Anouk. I'm sure that everyone who was involved in Anouk's life has many good memories. Anouk always had a smile on her face, I will always remember her as the kind, gentle, caring person she was.

-Luuk

Gone, but never forgotten.

My dearest Anouk, I will never forget coming over to your parents house in the early afternoon of Feb in 2005. There stood this little girl playing with her Barbie's, furniture moved around and taking up the entire living room floor.

I started to date your brother Luuk “officially” the next month. Going out for dinner at Wildcat grill, you took one, maybe two bites of your lasagna and stated, “I’m full”. Once you got your license, you seemed to know every restaurants menu by heart and would tell us what to order at which restaurant. I'm still not sure I can come to terms of ordering, and eating, the “cat's meow.”

I remember sitting in the living room, and you were so excited to do my hair. You would bring out your yellow container FULL of elastics, barrettes, clips and whatever else you could find to put in my hair. You were so excited to do someone else's hair as your brothers were not quite up for that. I watched you grow, and knew you for over 11 years. We had a bond almost like sisters. We had our differences, like sisters do, but you still were there for me whenever I needed it.

You liked to hang out with myself and your brother Luuk a lot. We would spend hours double bouncing you on the trampoline until we were covered in mosquito bites. Then it was time to go inside. Whenever I would come over to your parents house when you were younger, you were so fascinated with me, or so it seemed. You would stand at my feet and just look up at me and stare.

You were a big hockey fan....Or was it the hockey players? :) Luuk and I would go to the Chilliwack Chiefs games all the time, but we could never go alone. You always had to come. Valentine's Day of 2015, Luuk and myself went to the Chilliwack Chiefs game and got pulled onto the ice for one of their games during the intermission. Luuk and I head down to the ice level, and who do we see there.....

Anouk and Florian! We thought they were going to be playing the game against us, Uh oh!! But no, they won the “best seats” in the house, at least that is what they call them. Poor Anouk and Florian had a hard time seeing over the glass from the couch. Every time we go to the Chilliwack Chiefs games and they announce the winners of the best seats of the house, I chuckle and think of you.

On September 9, 2015 you became an Aunty to Max. You were so excited and there for us if we needed anything. One evening you were on your way to the Chilliwack Chiefs game and asked if we needed anything before you went, and we did, but I was too embarrassed to ask you to pick it up. You asked me, “What is it?” and I said a stool softener (so embarrassed), and you dropped what you were doing to go to the drug store and pick it up for me. Such a selfless act and just how you were, always putting everyone else before yourself.

Anouk, you were one very special young lady and hold a very special part of my heart! You were so unique, just like your thumbs. Around the time that I had first started dating Luuk, you made a point to show me that you had one thumb like your dads, and one like your moms.

I got to watch you grow up into a beautiful young woman. So many changes, and so many memories. At the time that you had turned 18, you were in your bedroom of your parents house and we were talking. You looked me straight in the eye and said, “I wont have a boyfriend until I'm 25.” We shook hands on this. The next week, guess what, you had a boyfriend. You always had your innocence but also, you knew what you wanted. You wanted to be there for everyone and were very selfless. We had our differences in the past, and that's what made our bond feel even stronger.

I miss you like crazy, and wish heaven had a telephone and visiting hours.

Love you forever and always, Sydney

When asked what my favourite memories are of Anouk, I simply cannot narrow it down to anything specific. Everything she was involved in, in my life will always be a great memory. Growing up, me and Luuk were not particularly excited to having a sister but she won us over very quickly. We loved our little sister. She did anything for us and us for her. I can look back and remember playing together; dolls, Barbie's, Lego, video games, performances on the trampoline, and my job was always to make her laugh and also to tease her.

We shared a love for drawing and animals. She always ended up bringing animals home such as a dead mole in her coveralls after a day out on the tractor with uncle Frans, a barn cat you named Dusty after a visit to Dinotown, and a guinea pig that smelled so bad. She kept it in her room and didn't mind the smell at all. We finally ended up with our first dog, Shadow. We picked her up and first thing Anouk did was slam her tail between the car door. Anouk always felt bad because Shadow ended up with a small kink in her tail. But Shadow didn't mind. She loved Anouk, and her room downstairs was easy access to a comfy bed. I then moved out for a while and somehow ended up with a stray cat named Toast, a fluff ball really. Moving back home and going back to school meant Toast was spending a lot more time sleeping in Anouk's warm bed and playing with Anouk. A few years after Shadow had passed, I finally adopted a dog. Chevy stayed a night to see how he was with the family and Anouk was the first of the family to welcome him with open arms and bought Chevy his first toys and treats.

As we grew older the teasing and laughter never stopped, we both grew up and still managed to spend time together. I'd eat at her work and would try my best to be there for her anytime she needed anything. She was very independent and didn't like asking for help. Maybe stubborn is a better word. She would bring lunch to me at work. I helped find her a good first car and she appreciated everything.

Anouk's big heart and kindness won everyone over. She was just a very loveable and humble person with a heart of gold and that's how she will always be remembered.

Koen

I didn't know Anouk for very long. But I didn't have to. Anouk was one of those people who would make a connection with you as soon as she met you. When Koen and I first started dating, Anouk wanted to take us out for breakfast to get to know me. She always made me feel welcomed! We would go out to IHOP for pancakes and leave feeling bloated but happy. We didn't always get to hang out but we would chat at family get togethers and over Facebook messenger. We talked about work, school, and how excited we were to meet the baby (Max). The thing I miss most is hearing Anouk's laugh after her brothers had teased her.

Koen and I gifted Anouk a blanket on her last birthday, as she was always so cold! I'm so happy Florian let us have it as something to remember her by and possibly as something to pass on to any of Anouk's future nieces or nephews. As we made our way from the celebration of life to the cemetery, a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky. It just had to be a sign from Anouk because that's the type of person she was. She would have wanted to cheer everyone up, like a rainbow on a cloudy day.

Aislinn

Poem: Author unknown

We do not need a special day

to bring you to our minds..

The days we do not think of you

are very hard to find.

Each morning when we awake

we know that you are gone..

And no one knows the heartache

as we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness

and secret tears still flow..

What it meant to lose you

no one will ever know.

Our thoughts are always with you

your place no one can fill..

In life we loved you dearly

in death we love you still.

There will always be a heartache

and often a silent tear..

But always a precious memory

of the days when you were here.

If tears would make a staircase

and heartaches make a lane..

We would walk the path to heaven

and bring you home again.

We hold you close within our hearts

and there you will remain..

To walk with us throughout our lives

until we meet again.

Our family chain is broken now

and nothing seems the same..

But as God calls us one by one

the chain will link again.

* * * * * * * * * *

Anouk Anna Maria Van De Wijnboom passed away on January 17, 2016 at Royal Columbian Hospital at the age of 23.

Anouk was born on January 1, 1993 in Geldrop, Netherlands. She moved with her family to Canada in 1998 at 5 years of age. She attended Strathcona Elementary School, Chilliwack Middle School and graduated from Chilliwack Senior Secondary School in 2011. In 2013 she graduated from UFV.

Anouk was a gentle, kindhearted person; always thoughtful and concerned with the wellbeing of everyone around her. She was caring, loving and maintained a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.

She will be lovingly remembered by her Mom, Mieke; her Dad, Wim; brother Luuk, sister-in-law Sydney and nephew Max; brother Koen and his girlfriend Aislinn; and Anouk's boyfriend Florian. She was predeceased by Ian Clifford, Johanna Ford, Opa Marinus, Oma Mien and Aunt Siena.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack, BC.