Neeltje Viveen

With great sadness, her family announces that Nel passed away peacefully at Derbecker Heritage House, St. Jacob's, in her 93rd year. Predeceased in 2020 by her husband and best friend Frans (Frank), of more than 70 years. Loving mother of Gerda (nee Viveen) and her husband Al Smith, Annet Viveen and her partner Gerry Smith (deceased 2021), John Viveen and his wife Donna (nee Christiansen), and Peter Viveen and his wife Vera (nee Januario). Proud and loving Oma to Coree Smith and her partner King Laurin, Matthew Viveen, Steven Viveen, Brielle Viveen and Great-Oma to Isabella Viveen . She will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family and friends in Canada and the Netherlands.

Nel and Frans met in Holland in 1951 and got married in 1952. They had two children born in Holland and two in Canada. They emigrated to Canada in 1960, first to Strathroy and then to Cambridge where there was more work. Nel worked part time at Kmart and Canadian Tire, but the one job most spoken of was the summer that she was in the Tobacco. This "Tobacco money" bought a lot of things over the years and it became a standing joke that whenever they bought something like furniture or appliances it was from the "Tobacco money". Frank and Nel both enjoyed travelling, they went all over the United States, Canada, and Europe and took various cruises. Nel loved knitting and crocheting. She knit a lot of slippers and they were given to family and friends, all over the United States, Canada and Holland. Her afghans also went to family and friends and any new born babies. Many thanks to the staff of Derbecker Heritage House. She was well looked after and loved. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. As expressions of sympathy, donations in Nel's memory to Derbecker Heritage House, St. Jacob's, Ontario would be appreciated by her family.