Oma was born Theodora Van Kesteren to Aloijsius and Regina Van Kesteren on May 24th, 1931 in the small town of Woerden, The Netherlands. The eldest daughter of 5 siblings, Oma grew up working in the family butcher shop. As a youth, she enjoyed and excelled at competitive swimming, water polo, piano and the performing arts.
Following the end of World War II, at the age of 21, Oma followed her high school sweetheart, Peter Bogaard (Opa), to Canada in search of adventure and opportunity in the new world. Arriving by boat at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Oma then journeyed by train to Jasper, Alberta where she re-united with Opa and was married on November 5th, 1952.
The following year, Oma and Opa welcomed their first child, Regina. Shortly after, they packed up and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where they opened a small restaurant on Robson Street. Following the births of three more children (Gary, Loesje and Peter), Oma and Opa decided to leave the city behind in favour of the family friendly community of Annieville in North Delta.
Ten years later, with their fifth and youngest child, Michelle, now in tow, Oma and Opa moved the family to their prized home in Sunshine Hills, across the street from the tennis courts, where they resided happily for more than 20 years. During this time, Oma became a very active member of the tennis community. A founding member of the Sunshine Hills Tennis Club, Oma could often be seen at the courts not only as a player, but later as the Director of both the Ladies League and the Delta Junior Tournament.
Eventually, Oma and Opa retired to their lake-side townhome in the Boundary Park neighbourhood of Surrey,BC where Oma played an integral role on the Strata. An avid gardener her entire life, she was extremely proud of the work she did as the Chair of the Gardening Committee. Besides her substantial volunteer work, Oma also had a keen business sense. She spent the majority of her later years working in various roles from international tour guide to antiques saleswoman. Well into her late 80s, Oma could often be found “working at a show” or putting her sales skills to good use at the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. In addition, while fully embracing her adoptive home of Canada, Oma always stayed close to her European roots as an active member of the Dutch Society.
Oma and Opa were married for 62 years until Opa’s passing in 2014. Also predeceased by her sons, Peter and Gary, as well as her brother, Ton (Atonius), Oma leaves behind her 3 loving daughters, Regina, Loesje (Joe), Michelle (Wade), 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and a large, extended family in both The Netherlands and California. Full of life, love and laughter Oma will be missed, and remembered by countless friends throughout her community, including Lorne, her loyal companion, who provided care and comfort in her final days.
Oma will always be our family’s most valuable treasure. She has set the bar tremendously high with her kindness, lust for life and incredible sense of humour. We are all so proud to have been a part of her large family and will miss her incredibly. Rest in Peace Mom and Oma! We love you. xox
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