She was born at home in Barneveld, the Netherlands on December 9, 1925 and immigrated to Canada in 1954 with her husband Jan Dirk and 8 year old son Hendrik (Hank).
After a brief time in Alberta the family moved to the valley with its beautiful scenery and mild climate. Mom came from a family of 12 children, several of whom immigrated to Canada. Although Mom missed her family and had to learn a new language and get used to the "strange" Canadian food and culture, before long Chilliwack became her new home and she was very happy here.
She must have had quite an adventurous spirit to make such bold move to a new country so far across the ocean. From what she told us the trip from the Netherlands to Canada was no luxury cruise. The women and men were segregated and she was sick the entire way. After landing in Halifax there was still the train ride all the way to the west coast. The family managed somehow even with the language barrier and once they were greeted by family in the west it was a little easier. The early years were a struggle for most immigrants but once they settled in Chilliwack things fell into place and Mom knew they had made the right decision.
She was always a hard worker, a spotless housekeeper and an excellent gardener. She had a real green thumb and grew the most beautiful large begonias on the shady side of their house on Bell Road. Of course she had a large vegetable garden and canned up a storm including delicious blackberry juice to pour over Dutch custard. She was a housekeeper for several doctors and business people in Chilliwack for many years and watched their families grow from children to young adults.
In retirement Mom and Dad lived on a hobby farm in Greendale with a large yard and beautiful view of Mt. Cheam and surrounding mountains. She always said those were her favorite years - puttering in the yard, knitting or reading, playing with her grandchildren and enjoying the pleasures of a well deserved retirement.
After Dad passed away Mom moved to Sunset Manor and enjoyed the last 14 years there. She was in excellent health and never spent a day in the hospital until this past week when she became ill. We are very grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from Cathy Vrieselaar and Darian Bisschop during her sudden illness at the Manor. We take comfort in the fact that Mom had a long and fulfilling life and passed away peacefully after a short stay in the hospital.
Mom was predeceased by her husband, Jan, in 2004 and many of her siblings throughout the years. She is survived by her one sister in Alberta and a sister and brother in the Netherlands.
She will be greatly missed by her only son Hank (Diane), and the rest of the family, grandson Randy (wife Carolyn and great grandchildren Mason & Chloe), granddaughter Melissa (and great grandchildren Austin & Makayla), and granddaughter Vanessa (husband Lawrence and great grandchildren Sophia & Hailey). Nana was always interested in her family and was pleased that everyone was doing fine during these difficult pandemic times.
Our memories build a special bridge when loved ones have to part,
to help us feel we're with them still and sooth a grieving heart.
Our memories span the years we shared preserving ties that bind,
they build a special bridge of love and bring us peace of mind.
Emily Matthews
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