Obituary of Nancy van der Kooi
In Loving Memory Of
Neanke (Nancy) van der Kooi (nee de Beer)
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing away of a dear wife, mother and Beppe. In the full assurance of her faith, Nancy was taken to her eternal home on Friday May 31, 2024 at the age of 83.
Predeceased by her loving husband Joe (2004). Dear mother of Dan (Teresa), Evelyn Rhebergen (Ed), Brenda Weening (Doug), Sharon Kooy (Harry), Tim (Laura), Kevin (Angie), Ben (Pam), Randy (Julia), Mike (Vicky) and predeceased by her son George Andrew (1964), and son-in-law Pete Rhebergen (2014). Beloved Beppe of 29 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. Nancy will be lovingly remembered by her brothers, sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Nancy felt it was God’s calling for her to raise her family, and she saw every child as a precious gift from God.
Born in Friesland, the Netherlands on September 27, 1940, Nancy learned Dutch in school, but spoke Frisian at home on the family farm. At age 15, Nancy immigrated with her family to Canada, spending one year on PEI, before settling in the Holland Marsh. She never lost her love for her homeland, and loved to return for visits.
Nancy married Joe van der Kooi at Springdale Christian Reformed Church in 1960, and they enjoyed 44 joyful years of marriage, until Joe’s passing in 2004. Nancy was a dedicated wife, mother and beppe. Nancy and Joe were blessed with 10 children. They grieved the loss of their son George Andrew who died unexpectedly in 1964. Nancy thought of George often, even in her final days. Nancy loved her
family and her home was a loving place, where visitors were always welcome. She was a firm believer in Christian education. For over 30 years, she had a child enrolled in Christian elementary or high school, and loved to go to grandparents day once her grandchildren began going to school.
Nancy loved the Lord, and was a faithful follower of Christ until the day she died. She taught catechism for many years and was blessed with an excellent recall of scripture. John 15 was a passage that was close to Nancy’s heart, and she read it often.
In her later years she took up crocheting, and most of the projects she completed, she gave to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She crocheted blankets, and clothing for dolls, and enjoyed waiting for the next great grandchild to arrive, so that she could begin the next project. Nancy enjoyed Christmas gatherings, surrounded by her family. One of the things her family will miss are the chocolate letters she would buy for every child, grandchild, and great grandchild. She maintained this tradition up to her last Christmas.
Visitation will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford, on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm. Funeral service to be held at Sovereign Grace Church, 1466 5th Sideroad, Bradford, Ontario, L3Z 2A6 (formerly Springdale Christian Reformed Church) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11 am. Interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford, Pastor Howard McPhee and Pastor Josh Tong officiating Clergy.
The funeral service will be livestreamed on Tuesday, June 18th at 11 a.m. The link can be found here Livestream
In Nancy’s memory, donations can be made to King Christian School and TD Christian.