We Remember

VAN OYEN, Judith Anne

1939 – 2024

Today we celebrate the fierce, restless, adventurous, artistic life of Judith Anne van Oyen (née Limb), who died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, November 17, 2024. She was predeceased by her first husband Frederik (d. 1994) and her second husband Bob (d. 2020). Mum – Nanny, Grandma, G-Nanny, Great-Grandma –  is survived by her extensive family across the globe.

Born in 1939 in Chesterfield, England, Judith was never one to shy away from adventure. She travelled, taught, or lived on every continent except Antarctica, and she witnessed things in the world that now only exist in history. Her most recent adventure was seeing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, and the one expedition she missed was climbing Machu Picchu. She was a kind and generous woman who welcomed everyone into her home and offered them tea and her legendary shortbread or amazing scones. She was an inspiration and role model to those privileged to know her.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’” (Hunter S. Thompson).

The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to everyone at the KGH Cancer Clinic and to Interior Health’s Palliative Care team.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Foundation.

There will be a gathering for family and friends on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024, drop in from 5:00 – 7:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME (in the Family Centre): 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. She asked to be cremated in her colourful party dress, and we ask that everyone also wear bright clothes to celebrate her life and to remember the amazing woman that she was.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024, drop in from 5:00 - 7:00 PM (PST)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME in the FAMILY CENTRE

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for VAN OYEN, Judith Anne is scheduled for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024, drop in from 5:00 - 7:00 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:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME in the FAMILY CENTRE

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

Wear bright colours


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Helen Williamson says:

    My heartfelt sorrow is with each one of you for the loss of someone so truly special.
    I met Judith through work at Heritage Park in 1984-85. She took me under her wing and I felt so appreciated and welcomed into her fold.

    I have nothing but happy memories of work and visits to see her. It was also such a blessing to see and get to know Erika from her teens and see her grow into an amazing and strong woman like her mom.

    Hugs, thoughts and prayers to you all.

  • Andrew Echel says:

    Judith van Oyen a kind and loving mother as we met in Uganda, 2013 when she came to visit Erika. I will never forget her smile and jokes we shared during her stay here. I fell in love with her because she gave good company and good conversations, I guess because she had traveler half the world. I loved your nut loaves that I will miss because no one could make them like you did. Thank you also for giving my world your daughter who has carried on a legacy and life well spent sharing love to the many women and children she has impacted in this lifetime. Like your jokes, you sign out with a wonderful message to be cremated in your beautiful party dress and wonderful quote and the bottom.
    Many Ugandan women who knew you loved you, asked about you and prayed for you when they had of the difficult times. I love you and Ugandan women loved you.
    In our most common phrases “Webale Mama”

  • Joyce & Reg FORREST says:

    Judith was a lovely lady and friend – she is missed already.

  • Leonie & Livio says:

    We’re far away but our thoughts are with you

  • Ernie and Frances Park says:

    We first met Judith as the leader of our Kelowna Newcomers Club walking
    group back in 2011. She was always genuinely friendly and good fun to be around. Our sincere condolences to her family. A life well-lived.

  • Lowell and Beryl Stevens and Family says:

    Our sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful woman, a Sister and an Aunt to our family. We are thankful for the time we had with her. We will truly miss her
    All Our Love; Lowell, Beryl, Rick Jack Carolyn and Rob.

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.