We Remember
BAKKER, Wilhelmina
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Born January 6, 1930 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, went to be with the Lord October 13, 2015 at the age of 85. Survived by three daughters: Yolanda (Rod) of Vernon, Yvonne of Winfield, Karen (Mark) of Lund, BC; five sons: Jan (Anke) of Salmon Arm, Henry (Kristy) of Enderby, Johan (Eileen) of Kelowna, Peter of Kelowna, Chris (Jill) of Sundre, AB; 19 grandchildren; several step grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband Johannes and grandson James. In her early years, before her marriage, mom loved her job as a kindergarten teacher. Mom and Dad immigrated with their three young sons to Canada in 1958. In Canada, the family continued to grow with the addition of three daughters and two sons. Mom was passionate in her faith in Christ and took great joy in sharing it with others. After the sudden death of her husband she went back to school to attend Bible College. She further busied herself by volunteering at Crisis Line and Bible for Mission’s thrift store. She fulfilled her life-long dream of travelling to Israel to experience biblical history. Mom’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her big family, nineteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and several step grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 3:30 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Pastor David Kalamen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, October 17th at 3:30 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
I wanted to pass along my condolences on the passing of Wilhelmina. There was a time in my life that I was fortunate enough to be considered a friend of Wilhelmenia through circumstance and the teachings and wisdom and love she passed on to me is immeasurable. The loss felt here on earth is definately heaven’s gain as this angel gets to finally reunite with her Father in heaven. Rest well Mrs. Bakker,…you will be missed and are always loved. Being part of your life and family for a short time, changed changed my life for the better in so many ways. You gave me the love of a mom when I was needing it and I will never forget that.
I was fortunate enough to sit at the Bakker’s big family supper table for a couple of birthday dinners for my good friend Yvonne. Wilhelmina would add her special touches to make the birthday girl her favorite meal and requested cake. A busy woman yet ever a loving, motherly, patient and kind presence. I am sorry for your loss. I would imagine she would want her loved ones to take comfort knowing that she is at peace in her heavenly home…. Theresa Mercer Frie
Lieve neven en nichten/kinderen/kleinkinderen,
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van jullie moeder, oma en overgrootmoeder. Ik herinner me haar als een lieve, bescheiden en warme vrouw die open stond voor de mensen om haar heen. Maar ze kon enorm genieten van heel kleine dingen, zo dat ze haar omgeving en de tijd vergat. Ik koester mijn bezoeken aan Canada en haar bezoeken aan ons.
Tante Wil, rust zacht.
Sincere condolences…..may you feel comfort with all the great memories you have shared. I’m sorry I’m not able to be there…..but my thoughts and prayers are.
Beste neven, nichten, kinderen en kleinkinderen,
Mijn oprechte deelneming met het verlies van jullie moeder, oma en overgrootmoeder.
In het bericht van Jan aan Aafje heb ik gelezen dat jullie afgelopen zondag allemaal afscheid van haar hebben kunnen nemen. Dat is mooi, en fijn dat jullie daarvoor de gelegenheid hebben gekregen. Jullie moeder en (over)grootmoeder is 85 jaar geworden, net zo oud als mijn moeder. Een mooie leeftijd, ‘zeggen we dan’. Daar mogen we dankbaar voor zijn en zouden we vrede mee kunnen hebben. ‘Zouden’, want het is altijd een verlies, en een nog groter verlies als het je moeder is. Altijd. Je zou haar toch graag nog wat langer bij je hebben willen houden.
Van mijn tante Wil herinner ik mij niet zo enorm veel. Daarvoor heb ik haar te weinig meegemaakt. Wel heb ik nog beelden van de enorme grote boot waarmee oom Joop, tante Wil en de oudste drie neven naar Canada emigreerden. En dat de hele familie op de kade in Rotterdam hen stond uit te zwaaien. De bezoeken aan ons in Nederland kan ik mij nog redelijk helder herinneren en dan heb ik haar inderdaad -zoals Aafje schrijft- als een lieve, bescheiden en warme tante voor ogen. Zo sprak mijn moeder ook altijd over haar.
Voor nu en de komende tijd wens ik jullie veel sterkte en kracht. Steun aan en van elkaar, en evenzo blijdschap bij al jullie mooie herinneringen.
P.S. Bijgaand een foto van (mijn) oom Joop en Tante Wil uit 1951 bij het huwelijk van mijn ouders. Ik heb nog een groepsfoto paraat, stuur mij jullie e-mailadres, dan stuur ik die ook.
Sincere thanks to my relatives in Holland for the kind words sent about my mother…..I wish that I could reply/write to you in dutch but atleast I’m happy that I can read a speak it enough to understand.
Thanks so much for the photo of Dad and Mom in their early years in Holland….I really enjoy that as I don’t have much knowledge about their lives then ( of course I never lived there and was not born until 1970 oh well such is life ☺ )
Gods richest blessings to you all
Chris Bakker
P.S. my email is xcountreebandit@gmail.com and I have a Facebook page as well
Beste overzeese familie.
Graag willen wij jullie condoleren met het verlies van jullie moeder.
Voor de Kröners de laatste tante uit de generatie van onze ouders.
In de momenten dat jullie ouders in Nederland waren heb ik hen als fijne en bescheiden mensen mogen ervaren en was het altijd feest.
Een liefdevolle herinnering heb ik aan de 70ste verjaardag van onze moeder. Toen daar bij ons feestverblijf een limousine aan kwam rijden waarin Jullie moeder en tante Els zaten als verrassing voor de jarige.
Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke periode en een lieve groet uit Nederland.
Egbert en Joke van de Beld-Kröner.
Our deepest condolences with the passing of your wonderful Mother. We pray for God to comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. We are joyful to know that she is with our Lord. I have such fond memories, and am so happy that we could visit her for a few days with my Mom not that long ago. My Mom sincerely cherishes that time they had together. We will keep you in our prayers. Much love to you all. Mike and Nancy Visser Calgary, Alberta
Here is a picture from their last time together
I had the privilege of caring for Willie while she stayed with us at mountainview village Care home . I looked forward to waking her up every morning to get her ready for the day. Willie would always grab my hand while waking up and always have a big smile for me and I a big hug and cuddle for her. she loved when I picked out clothes for her and if she didn’t agree she would wrinkle her nose cutely to say no . Then on special occasions like Mothers day , Christmas , her birthday or special dress up functions at the facility , she would always like to look her best and loved her Dutch national Dress . I remember learning how to curl her hair with rollers and her laughing with me and then remarking how good I was getting. We shared many talks and on one special day when she was feeling down , we sat for awhile and I just let her talk while combing her hair . she thanked me and then went on to say ” You Have hands of a Loving Mother ” and she knew I was not a mother . She made my day and we both got teary eyed . I remember her to be a very kind and loving lady . I miss her dearly and will keep her in my circle of Luv forever.
I am sorry for your loss. I was a care aid of Willy’s for many years. I miss our special times together in the morning while doing care, shower day and curling her hair. We were able to share spiritually as we shared a love of Christ. She loved the Lord and her family very much. She was always willing to get out of her room and join in activities when reminded. I miss her,until we meet again.