Berendina J Bogaert

Dini passed away on November 30th, 2016, just shy of her 89th birthday. She is survived by her husband Richard of 61 years, and her children: Robert (Dorothy); Grace (Chris); Brian (Kelly); Paul (Keltie); Theresa (Alec); Stephanie (Tyler); her 15 grandchildren: Jesse (Penni); Derek (Lauren); Rhiannon (Wilson); Austin; Aliena (Camden); Corey; Tiana; Brenna; Kelsey; Luke; Sam; Olivia; Blue; Anna; and Chloe; and her 10 great-grandchildren: Corban; Landen; Halle; Micah; Allegra; Ari; Aja; Kaden; Arlen; and Kais. She is also survived by her two brothers: Ben and Jan; sisters and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Peter, and her siblings: Gerda, Liesbeth, Fia, Riet, Wim, and Tonnie.

Dini was born in the Netherlands, and spent her teenage years in the shadow of WWII. She was always a good student, and after the war, eagerly resumed her education. She was in the midst of a social work degree when she travelled to the U.S., and met her future husband, Richard Bogaert. They were married in 1955.

Richard and Dini bought a farm near St. Thomas where they raised 7 children, all born within ten years. It was a hard life and money was in short supply, but Dini was resourceful and made sure her family was always well fed and cared for. After 18 years, Dini and Richard decided to move to a warmer climate. They sold the farm and settled in Queretaro, Mexico, but ended up returning to Canada, first to London, Ontario, then relocating four years later to Victoria, B.C., a place they considered paradise.

When the kids were grown up and out of the house, Dini and Richard enjoyed many trips together: taking their camper van across Canada and the U.S.; exploring Europe and south-east Asia; studying Spanish in San Miguel; and visiting Australia to see Robert and the family there.

Dini was a life-long learner and read widely. She took up the piano as an adult. She sang in the church choir and loved live music concerts. She was an accomplished seamstress and a skilful knitter and created many lovely sweaters, scarves, embroidered Christmas stockings, costumes, and knitted potholders that will be treasured.

Dini taught her children the value of hard work and concern for others. A caring and generous person, she volunteered with the Catholic Women’s League, St. Andrew’s soup kitchen, and later, Anawim House, a refuge for street people in Victoria.

Her beautiful smile, her kindness, and her warm hospitality will be dearly missed.

The family thanks the care of Dr. Manning, Beacon Home Support, and the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. There will be a mass at Holy Cross Church on Jan 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Anawim House would be greatly appreciated (www. anawimhouse.com)

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria, BC.