Cornelia Cecilia Maria Huysmans

Feb 1932 – April 2020

With great sadness the family announces the passing of our Mom and Oma at the age of 88.

Corrie was born in Limmen Holland and immigrated to Canada in 1953 to marry her sweetheart Peter. Together they raised their six children, teaching them the values of family, hard work, charity and humor. They enjoyed camping and hiking while exploring the island and traveled extensively. They thought nothing of loading the Volkswagen van with kids and gear for a road trip even taking a few extra friends along. They even took the entire family on a trip back to Holland when the oldest child was 10 and the youngest was just 4 months old. Once all the kids were out of the house they continued to travel, going to Moscow, China, Yugoslavia, and of course several trips back to Holland. They also continued to camp and hike all over Vancouver Island and the mainland, often times combining it with visits to their children as they moved away from home.

While Mom was proud of her Dutch heritage, she was equally proud to have become a Canadian citizen. Mom worked very hard to master the English language and was well known for the impeccable quality of her penmanship. She was always very interested in what was going on in the lives of her family and friends and had an unparalleled ability to recall names, dates and events. Mom and Dad loved having a house full of people, our friends were always welcome to come over and play or visit. They transitioned from Mom and Dad to Oma and Opa as their family expanded with the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Oma could always be counted on to attend whatever activity one of her family was involved in and always had a few candies in her purse. Despite the loss of Opa, shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary, Oma still wanted all the family to gather at her house each summer.

Corrie was predeceased by her husband Peter, her son Jim and in Holland: brother Piet, sister Tiny, brothers-in-law Gerard and Theo, sister-in-law Thea.

Her children mourn her: Doreen (Gordy), Don (Yuko), Ken (Sharlyn), John, Marion (John).

She is survived by her brother-in-law John (Jane) of Port Alberni, and in Holland: Sister-in-law Riet, sister Lia, brother Wim, brothers & sisters-in-law: Toon (Tiny), Lien. She will also be greatly missed by her dear friends amongst her fellow immigrants who became like family to her. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland.

Oma will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Rob (Alaina), Brent (Renata), Peter (Jen), Pete (Tonia), Donny (Dawn), James (Krista), Ashley, Jack, Finn and her great grandchildren: Teigen, Finnegan, Taryn, Palmer, Ocean, Autumn, Lucas and Anakin.

We would like to thank all those who helped our mom stay at home, this required a lot of help from family, friends, Community Health Care, Life Line, Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, Dr. H. Nell and his staff. We would also like to thank the paramedics and all the staff and doctors at West Coast General Hospital for all the comfort they provided our mother in her final days.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Corrie’s memory to The heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon .