We Remember

KOUWENHOVEN, Wilhelmina Elizabeth
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Wilhelmina “Min, Mien” Kouwenhoven, mother of nine, grandmother of 21, and great-grandmother of 34 (+ 2 on the way), passed away on October 29, 2023, after a long and full life spanning 93 years. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by family. She now joins her husband and partner in life, Pete, and her son, Michael, in heaven.
Known for her kindness and her ability to make everyone feel special in their unique way, Mom will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She did not want us to cry over her passing, but to find the laughter and love in our interactions with others. Mom taught us tolerance, patience, kindness, acceptance, and most of all, love.
We remember her hours spent in front of the sewing machine, creating special outfits for every occasion. Family will treasure their handmade gifts made with love for her grandchildren, that now her great-grandchildren wear. As all crafters know, every stitch was an expression of love and an example of her dedication to her ever-growing family.
Mom’s life wasn’t always easy, especially with nine kids to keep her busy, but she always found time to support others through her service in the Catholic Women’s League and her stalwart defence of life through the ProLife Society.
As a family, we are thankful to the staff and other residents of Sun Pointe Village for making her feel at home, safe, and cared for, particularly as she approached the end of her life.
Donations in memory of our mother can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or the Kelowna Right to Life Society.
A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH (750 Rutland Road North, Kelowna), on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT), with a reception to follow at Springfield Funeral Home (2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna). A Livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available for remote viewing (see below) a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT)
Location
CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for KOUWENHOVEN, Wilhelmina Elizabeth is scheduled for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
I am sorry to hear this. my heart goes out to you all. I know how much she was cherished.
A beloved person passed away. The memories stay.
Regards, Marja, Albert, Sydney ( Tom) Summer (Job)
May you find peace as you grieve her absence!
She lived this gift called life so well!
Mari and Dean
Gecondoleerd vanuit Zeist. Hoewel heel lang geleden herinner ik mij dat ik haar zag als zij, als hulp in de huishouding, werkte en voor het raam achter de naaimachine zat en ik daar als jonge jongen de krant bezorgde. Een andere herinnering is de bruiloft van Mien met Piet in Boskoop. We waren er met een bus heen gegaan en de chauffeur durfde niet meer te rijden over het smalle weggetje bij het water. Broer Wim heeft de bus toen bestuurt. Sterkte voor allemaal de komende tijd. Groet Clemens en Kitty
My brother Kevin just forwarded your mothers obit to me. Today is All Souls’ Day and I will remember her in my Mass. I have many fond memories of all of you in our association with St.Edmund’s, STA, Seminary and neighbours via the Grants across the lane. I often think of our parents friendship as they worked at the Bingos. I also remember your father Peter when crossing the Lionsgate Bridge and see people fishing at the mouth of the Cap. Driving by the site of the Venice bakery too triggers memories. You mother was a very special person and today especially I remember our parents and the legacies of hard work and sacrifice for family and community. The legacy of faith I believe was the greatest. Internal test Grant into her and May she rest in peace.
Our condoleances for the lost of Mien our sister in law and your Mother en grandmother.
My condolences. Memories will be in our hearts forever
Our condolances to the family; though an ocean is between us, we are very near, Remember that in every tear there is a sweet memory…. Anita Musters – Ugchelen – Netherlands
Condolances to all the family and friends of tante Mien. We met her a number off times over the years and have much treasured memories of her. We are so glad we could be at her 93th birthday party.
We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Mrs. Kouwenhoven. Thank you for live-streaming the funeral—my mum and I were able to watch it. It was a beautiful tribute to a truly fine woman.