Rose (Reintje) Groenewold passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital with her family by her side on June 29, 2016.
She will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Shirley, Jackie (Len), Elaine (Harry) and Diane (Darryl); as well as 9 grandchildren: Amanda, Clifton (Carly), Stephanie (Shaun), Kayla (Jordon), Elicia (Jamie), Justin (Karleen), Erin (Neil), Kaitlyn (Kyle) and Tyler (Stacie); as well as 4 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Alivia, Julia and Jaxon. Rose also leaves behind her siblings, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Jelmer (2005), son-in-law John (1996) and grandson Anthony (2001).
Rose was born in Swichum, Friesland, in the Netherlands on March 16, 1940. She was the 2nd daughter of Bouke and Sjoerdtje Renema and a sibling to Henny (Hank), Mike (Susan) and Andy (Willy). In 1954, at the age of 14, Rose and her family immigrated to Canada and settled on Vancouver Island. She spent time doing housework for other people and then began working at the Chemainus Hospital. During that time Rose met the love of her life, Jelmer Groenewold, and they were married on June 3, 1960.
Rose was very active in the Christian Reformed Church where she served both as an Elder and in the Prayer Room; and she faithfully volunteered at the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store for many years. She also enjoyed bowling, taking pictures and playing games with her family and the ladies in the Evening’s Ease. She was an avid gardener and spent a lot of time potting and watering her many plants. She was often found with her knitting in her lap or sitting in the sun with her nose in a book.
Rose had an incredible zest for life. She loved spending time with her family and having her home filled with the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rose took every opportunity to share her strong faith, which was of utmost importance to her. She took great joy in knowing that when her time came, she’d be reunited with her loved ones in Heaven.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses in the ICU at both Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospital for their care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 15, 2016, at 1:00 PM at the Christian Reformed Church – 930 Trunk Rd., Duncan, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s memory to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.dignitymemorial.ca