We Remember

HAFFEN, Marieke

—

Mom left us on the morning of Ash Wednesday with her family surrounding her with love and prayers.

Missing her deeply is her daughter (me, Nikki), her son-in law Blaine, her grandchildren Mikayla and Luke, and Taylor who she loved as another grandchild. She will be missed by her brothers and sisters, Nico and Pat, Lidi and Eric, Tom and Karen, and Bill, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Marieke. She will be lovingly remembered by Dad’s family as “the best thing that ever happened to him”.

Mom was born in Elst, Netherlands and emigrated with her family when she was six years old. After several moves across the country, they finally found home in Haney, B.C., where she stayed until attending nursing school at St. Paul’s Hospital. She made many friends and graduated as a registered nurse in 1968, but the highlight of that time in her life was meeting my dad, as her nursing friends will attest to.

She met Dad on a Greyhound bus going to visit her sister, Annelies, and although the story is too long for here, it truly was love at first sight. Mom and Dad married Jan. 11, 1969 and were the perfect pair.

Mom continued nursing until I was born, then decided to become a full-time Mom, but it wasn’t long until she was a full time Mom and full-time volunteer.

Mom’s life was dedicated to service. She was the president of the CWL and received the Maple Leaf Service Award, was heavily involved in the Catholic schools -dedicating years of her time to Catholic education.

Mom became a greeter and usher at OLOL Church and although she was quiet, her love was bold and felt by all who entered.

Her poised demeanour, loving smile, and faith will be cherished by all who met her.

Thank you to Dr. Dan Obedkoff for your endless support and care, and the dedicated palliative care nurses who made it possible for Mom to spend her last days in the home she loved.

Her funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1:00 pm at her church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC followed by a celebration of her wonderful life at the Cove Lakeside Resort.

If you would like to donate in honour of Mom, please donate to Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, a place which holds a piece of her heart.

She leaves us now, but we know she was greeted in heaven by her loving parents, adoring sister, Annelies, and the love of her life, my Dad, John, and that one day we will all meet again. For “death cannot stop true love, all it can do is delay it for a little while”.

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, March 16 at 1:00 pm

Location
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

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If you would like to donate in honour of Mom, please donate to Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, a place which holds a piece of her heart.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for HAFFEN, Marieke is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

2547 Hebert Rd West Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Cece Sinotte says:
    March 12, 2019 at 6:37 am

    Thank you Marieke for your tireless work and support for Catholic education. My sympathies on losing your Mom, Nikki. She was a warm and classy lady.

    Reply
  • Renee says:
    March 12, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    Dear Nikki and family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful, faithful, loving woman. May God bless you. Renee & Tom

    Reply
  • Stacy Jennings says:
    March 24, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    Dear Nikki and Blaine, Mikala and Luke. So very sorry to hear about Marieke. I had the honour of servicing dinners to the most kindest loving beautiful people and a favourite couple of mine through the years John and Marrieke.? They left a foot print in my heart and a smile on my face. I was always glad to see them. My caring thoughts are with you all. Stacy ( friends restaurant)

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke