Afra Bos

It is with a great sense of loss that we announce the passing of Afra Bos (nee Van Tunen)-- our mother, Oma, and great-Oma. With her has gone the centre around which the family revolved. We will never be the same again, especially with the recent loss of our brother and uncle, Michael Bos, just last month and the loss of our father and Opa exactly 2 years year ago. However, we have the example of Afra’s indomitable energy and resilience, which will help us rebuild our circle of family and friends.

Afra is survived by her daughters Maria and Judy (John), and her sons Paul (Tonja) and Rick, as well as 9 grandchildren, and 7 great- grandchildren (with 3 more arrivals expected this year). She also leaves behind 3 sisters and a brother as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends both here and in the Netherlands.

Afra was born in Heemskerk in the Netherlands on July 13, 1935. She was a middle child in a family of 16 children. Afra had many happy memories of her childhood and growing up in a community where everyone knew one another and helped each other out when times were difficult, particularly the terrible years of World War II. When she was on older teen, Afra worked in convalescent hospitals as a nurse’s care aide and when she was 19 she met John Bos at a community dance, and they began dating. At the time, Afra had no intention of marrying John as her family was in the process of emigrating to Canada. Several of her older siblings had already left, and she knew that in a few months she would be leaving as well with her parents and remaining siblings. John was undaunted by all of this. He simply told her that he would emigrate as well. “All right fine”, said Afra, “But don’t think this means I am going to marry you!”

Of course they did marry, just a year later after they had arrived in Canada in 1956. The first few years were exciting, but difficult. Learning English and Canadian customs was a struggle, and it took a while before John was able to find work in his trade as a carpenter. However, times got better, and 7 years after they arrived in Canada and had their first 3 children, John had built a 1500 sq. ft. 3 bedroom house with a basement in Delta for his family. Over the years and with a growing family, and better job opportunities, John and Afra had a series of houses each a little larger and more comfortable. Afra was a conscientious homemaker, and all the homes were always kept spic and span despite 5 children, numerous pets, and visiting friends and family.

Afra loved music and for many years was a singer in church choirs. She taught her older daughter how to harmonize, and they would often sing together while doing the dishes. Afra also loved walking, which she did very energetically and briskly—a habit that she kept up even into her 80’s.

Once their own children were grown, John and Afra took in foster children, usually babies and toddlers with special needs. Over the years, they cared for dozens of such children until the children were adopted or placed permanently into care homes.

Afra loved socializing and being with people whom she knew. In her later years, she looked forward to all of the holidays and birthdays when her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would gather to eat, play games, and talk for hours on end.

Afra enjoyed good health all her life and was thankful for all of the blessings she felt God had given her. However, when John passed away in 2020, her mental health started a rapid decline, and when Michael suddenly died last month, her physical health was affected and she suffered a stroke from which she did not recover.

Her children and family will miss her energy, her sense of humour, her understanding, and most of all her love. Afra had a deep and abiding faith and often spoke to God and asked Holy Mary for intercession at times when strength was needed to carry on. This is what we hope to do as well in the coming days.