Marijke was born in Holland and emigrated to the US as a teenager. There, she met her late husband Norman. They moved to Golden in 1967, and together they built their cozy log home and raised their two small children on the rural acreage that Marijke fondly called, “Our Land”. The tragic death of Norman and her son Tor in 1976, caused much grief and hardship for Marijke, but she persevered with strength, dignity and courage and in 1982, she embarked on a rigorous college program in Ontario to become a medical massage therapist. Kindling her dream to make “Our Land” a place of healing for others, Marijke opened COVANA Therapy Centre, the first medical massage practice for Golden residents in the memorial cabin beside her home. She was highly respected for her skill, knowledge and compassion by her patients and the medical community. She was also an honorary and founding member of the B.C. Therapeutic Touch Association, where she taught workshops in Alberta, B.C., Washington and of course, Golden. She was a truly gifted practitioner.
Beyond the gift of her ‘healing hands’ Marijke had a generous and compassionate heart. She always found time to lend an ear, provide a hug for comfort, bring over a home cooked meal or treat, or just ‘be there’ to support those in need. She warmly welcomed all to her home with a delicious cup of soup, or cup of tea with home baking. An excellent cook, she could whip up a decadent meal from almost anything; one never went hungry when visiting Marijke!
In 1988 she once again found love, and she married Doug that summer. With him she learned to sail and together they explored the BC coast. They met many wonderful friends and found interesting places over their 33 years together. Marijke was the keeper of the log book, and always kept her finger on the pulse of society via the boat radio. A talented musician, she inspired Doug to take up playing the accordion and together, she on the mandolin, they would sit on the deck of the little boat and play in the glow of the setting sun, their music serenading across the water.
She never lost her love for Holland, planting Dutch tulips in front of her living room window that bloom profusely each spring, and traveling back to visit family and share special memories of her childhood. Family was deeply important to Marijke, and she always made sure to stay connected regardless of physical distance. She was a caring mother to her daughter Marjan, and grandma extraordinaire to grand-daughter Juanita, whom she adored. They shared many adventures and time together, laughing, sewing, baking, skiing and spending time on the land. They forged a deep and mutual bond of love and respect that lasted until her passing. Marijke will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her friends and family, especially her daughter Marjan, grand-daughter Juanita (Jeff), great-grand-daughter Eloise, brother Erik (Karen), sister Joan (Russel) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Norman, son Tor and second husband Doug.
Marijke courageously battled Parkinson disease, doing all she could to slow its progression and remain as independent as possible. Despite the disease's progression, Marijke never lost her caring spirit, often reaching out a hand to comfort other residents or health care workers. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or volunteering with an organization that helps spread kindness and healing to others.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Cambridge Manor, especially Foxton Fl. West, for their amazing support, care, compassion and kindness. You always made her smile and laugh, right to the end. Thank you to Dr. Bruno and the team at ACT for Parkinson, University of Calgary, for support in this difficult journey and for being there for us at any time. You all have a special place in our heart. To Tressa McLean, there are no words to express our gratitude, you are an angel. To the many friends who sent cards, visited or called, it meant the world to Marijke to know you thought of her, even though she could not tell you in person.
A Celebration Of Life will be held at Marijke’s home in Golden, B.C. on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. for friends and family.
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