Passed away peacefully on March 19, 2019 in her 99th year. Pre-deceased by her husband Jan and 14 siblings. Survived by her sister, Dit. Loving mother of Jane (John) and Jim (Joanne). Cherished Oma of Heather (Dave), Scott (Lauren), Lindsey (Ryan), Bryce, Nicolaas (Ludmila), Maarten (Amanda), and Annelies (Max). Great-grandmother to Laura, Adam, Malcolm and Alice.
Born in s’Gravenzande Holland, the 8th of 16 siblings, Cornelia/Cora/Cor emigrated to Canada in 1950, met and married Jan in 1952 and they raised a family in Greensville. Cora loved people, adored children and had the gift of nurture. Cora loved a lively household because she loved life. She maintained a prodigous display of houseplants and had an amazing ability to start plants from the smallest cuttings or bring back to life one found in serious decline. Cora knew how to care for all the family cats, dogs, fish, birds, turtles and she also took in pets not-wanted by family or friends. Taking care of children, and other’s children was easy, it just came naturally. Cora had God’s gift for nurture.
Kids loved Cora instantly. To her nieces and nephews, Cora was known as Tante Cor and she had all the ingredients of a favourite Aunt. She gave attention to everyone and left many, many fond memories.
Cora loved to joke and did so to the end even though her last ten years were afflicted by dementia. The staff at Hardy Terrace all loved Cora because she was always in a good mood. She would randomly sing part of a Dutch school song or lullaby that was in her head at the moment from a part of her memory that surprisingly seemed to get better with time. Cora’s Dutch/English kept the staff on their toes and meant that Cora had a special bond with those that could understand Dutch.
Cora passed away peacefully surrounded by family under wonderful care at Hardy Terrace.
A visitation will be held at Marlatt Funeral Home, Swackhamer Chapel (195 King St. W, Dundas) on Thursday March 21 from 6-9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday March 22 at 11am. Burial to follow. Donations can be made to the Children's Wish Foundation.
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