It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of our mother, sister, Oma and great Oma, Louise Kroek. Louise passed away suddenly at her home in Duncan.
Born to Jan and Tjaltje Posthuma at Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Louise was raised in Apledoorn. Her father died in 1945 leaving her mother to raise six children in the hardships of post-war Netherlands.
As a teen she excelled academically in school and in competition swimming.
Shortly after marrying her husband, Jacob, they emigrated to Canada with their infant son John in 1953.
After a 7 day boat trip and a 7 day train trip across Canada, they settled in Victoria. Later Robert, Marlyna and Jennifer were born.
There she became an active member of the Christian Reformed Church and participated in the development of the Pacific Christian School. In 1965 the family moved to Duncan. In addition to being wife and mother she became an active and long standing member of the Duncan Christian Reformed Church where she was one of the first female elders. She enjoyed leading Ladies Aid and being part of many groups and committees of the church. Louise also served on the Duncan Christian School board for many years.
Louise had a long history of community volunteering with organizations such as: Meals on Wheels, Cowichan Exhibition, Duncan Music Festival, Canadian Cancer Society and Bibles for Missions to name a few. In addition to volunteering she loved the friendship and creativity of the Quilters Guild. Louise also found enjoyment in gardening and was an avid reader.
Mom’s love and commitment to her family was constant. Always encouraging, open and compassionate, she cherished our times together.
Her deep and abiding faith in the Lord brought her comfort and strength through all the ups and downs of her long life. She was greatly loved by many and her gentle graciousness brought comfort and support to all who knew her.
Louise is predeceased by her husband Jacob, grandson Leland, brothers: Harry, Jan, Joop and Dick. She is survived by her beloved sister Anneke, her children: John (Sandra), Robert (Ruth), Jennifer (Paul) and Marlyna. Grandchildren: Bodie (Courtney), Tyler (Nikki), Jason, Jaime, Graham, Nathan and Morgan; Great grandchildren: Carter, Brooklyn and Remington and many nephews and nieces in the Netherlands and the U.S.
Louise is predeceased by her husband Jacob, grandson Leland, brothers: Harry, Jan, Joop and Dick. She is survived by her beloved sister Anneke, her children: John (Sandra), Robert (Ruth), Jennifer (Paul) and Marlyna. Grandchildren: Bodie (Courtney), Tyler (Nikki), Jason,
Graham, Nathan and Morgan; Great grandchildren: Carter, Brooklyn and Remington and many nephews and nieces in the Netherlands and the U.S.
A memorial service will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Road, Duncan, BC on Wednesday, May 4th at 1:00 pm.
Online condolences can be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her favourite tv network: the Knowledge Network, www.knowledge.ca.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13