We Remember
DEN OUDEN, Cornelia Maria “Connie” (née van Herk)
—
1938 – 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cornelia Maria “Connie” den Ouden on November 19, 2024. Left to mourn her are her children — Mike (Shirley), Mark, Vicki, and Bruce (Dianne); her six grandchildren — Alex, Jeremy, Sean, Kees, Willem, Maria, and their partners; and six great-grandchildren. Connie was predeceased by her husband Abe den Ouden in 1994. She loved them all very much.
Connie den Ouden was born in Pijnacker, the Netherlands in 1938. She was the daughter of Abraham and Sietje van Herk and was one of six children — Wim, Gerry, Connie, Paul, Bram, and Nienke. The van Herk family immigrated to Canada in 1953. She was very homesick but she met many young people in the church community in Truro, Nova Scotia.
In 1956, she met a handsome, young Dutch immigrant named Abraham “Abe” den Ouden at that church. He was the love of her life. They married and had four children. In 1966, the family drove across Canada (Alberta to Nova Scotia) to visit the van Herks. They marvelled at the size of this country and all the beautiful landscapes on that trip.
They built a life together in Alberta, where they lived in Edmonton for many years and later in Redcliff. In southern Alberta, they owned and operated a greenhouse business, which they were proud of and really enjoyed. After they sold their greenhouses, they moved to Kelowna. Sadly, Abe passed away a few years later and Connie became a widow at the young age of 54 years old.
In Kelowna, she was very active in her church and volunteered at the BFM Thrift Store for 22 years. She loved working at the store — finding good deals, making new friends, and creating revenue for a good cause. She was a provincial rep for the Back to God Hour and had the honour of travelling to Chicago for meetings.
Connie put her faith into action and made a difference in the lives of many.
A Memorial Service, with Pastor Dale Slings officiating, will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Kelowna Christian Reformed Church, 239 Snowsell St., Kelowna, BC V1V 2E4. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days. A reception will be held following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Bible Society are appreciated.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM: CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM
Service
Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
Kelowna Christian Reformed Church
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Bible Society Link: www.cancer.ca, www.biblesociety.ca/ways-to-give/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for DEN OUDEN, Cornelia Maria “Connie” (née van Herk) is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Kelowna Christian Reformed Church
239 Snowsell St, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dear Vicki
Please accept our deepest condolences.
You and your family are in our prayers
Best regards
Your friends in Denmark
Sending lots of heartfelt sympathies & lots of love from the East Coast to the West Coast to Vicki & her family from John & Nelly Smees! Xoxoxo
Beste Vicky,
Hierbij wil ik je condoleren met het verlies van je moeder (mijn nicht). Ik heb haar een groot aantal jaren terug in Hattem bij mijn vader en moeder ontmoet. Ik was nog heel klein toen de familie naar Canada emigreerde en ik kan mij daar niets van herinneren. Van Lenie (mijn zus) heb ik de informatie gekregen en ik wens je veel sterkte toe in het verwerken van het verlies.
Oprechte groeten, Bert de Bruin
Hartelijke groeten, Bert de Bruin
Dear family, I am the daugther of Niesje de Bruin, cousin of Connie. My grandfather and the mother of Connie were brother and sister. My deepest condolences to you all.
Catharina
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the den Ouden’s
For the loss of mother and grandmother. May the peace of God be your comfort during this time of loss. A very special lady
My Condolences to you all, Mike, Shirley and family, Mark, Vicki (My Dear Friend), and Bruce, Dianne and family. Your Mom & Grandmother was a very Special Lady. So glad I was able to visit with her in September. With Love Jeannette Prins
Dear Vicki, Following your mother’s sudden illness and her passing made me sad. Again: my condolences.
I will be either joining you and the family on-line tomorrow or pick up the recording on (our) Sunday morning. I wish you and your brothers strength.
Dear Vicky, brothers and grandchildren of Conny, with sadness I heard from Connie’s passing. I was in Kelowna a few days before her passing to spend a short time with you, Vicky, and Connie. I am happy we could see each other for one day but then she fell ill. I always enjoyed our long telephone calls and remember her and the family well until they went to Canada in 1953. We always kept in touch. She was an admirable lady. I wish you all strength, Lenie Dijkshoorn-de Bruin
Mijn condoleance aan jullie allemaal.. En heel veel sterkte de komende tijd. Ik ben blij dat ik Conny nog heb gezien in april.. We hadden het nog heel gezellig samen.. Vreselijk voor haar dat het ineens zo snel is gegaan.. Groeten Hannie den Ouden