Corinne Elizabeth Van Tol

Corinne began her journey on November 29, 1919 in the Netherlands. She grew up in two story row house with five sisters and one bathroom! She loved singing in the church and leading Bible studies. At the age of 20, life took a major turn as Germany invaded Holland. The sound of bombs falling nearby echoed throughout her life. German soldiers came into their home. Her faith was put to the test. In the winter of 1944, starvation gripped the land. There were not enough food rations for the whole family. With courage and faith she ventured by foot through dangerous German lines with two young sisters to find food in the north part of Holland. God opened doors. She was safe. The war ended. Love endures all things.

The next chapter was training as a nurse. During her on the job training, she was introduced to a Dutch underground soldier known for his daring acts of bravery during the war. Sparks began to fly. The Flying Dutchman known as Arie met his match in the vivacious dame known as Corrie. Engagement followed but not without adventure. Arie had a unique job opportunity in Curacao. Miles apart yet close at heart, the young maiden would venture across the high seas to an unknown island. They were married in 1951 in Curacao. Oppressive heat and flying roaches drove them back to Holland after the birth of their first born Arjan (Arthur). Soon after came Nanny (Nancy) and Willem (Bill). Love bears all things.

In 1956 America was calling and the family of five ventured to a new land full of new opportunity. While Arie drove a laundry truck and went to night school, Corinne held the home front. She carried all three children on a bicycle to run her errands. She worked odd jobs cleaning and sewing. They put their faith into action at an inner city church where Corinne began a girls club teaching sewing lessons and modeling a servant heart. Her energy was boundless. As Arie’s career progressed with the Holland America Line, Corinne was blessed to travel to many places including Europe, Africa, India, China and even Nepal. Her claim to fame was a 200 lb. Halibut she caught in Alaska. Love believes all things.

Children are a heritage of the Lord. Corinne was blessed to have three grandchildren through the marriage of Rich and Nancy—Elizabeth, Sandra and Matthew. Corinne was doubly blessed with ten great grandchildren—Hailey, Morgan, Kara, Christian, Elyse, (Sandra/Glenn); Madelyn, Greta, Sophie

(Elizabeth/Kevin) and Nathan and Lucas (Matthew/Holly). The joy of all her children, grands and greats kept Corinne young at heart. Needlepoint, gardening and bowling were her favorite hobbies. A needlepoint replica of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” was her masterpiece.

Upon the passing of Arie, Corinne spent the last 25 years of her life in Colorado Springs with Bill. She never tired of the mountain vistas, dramatic sunsets and snowfalls. At 90 years young, she found a new mission in life: loving and serving Nepalese-Bhutanese refugees. They called her “mom”. Every month she looked forward to the senior ladies group called Naomi Fellowship. At 100 Corinne enjoyed a beautiful family birthday celebration in New Jersey. At 101.5 the hourglass was empty. With Rich, Nancy and Bill at her side, Corinne was able to facetime with all of her family including Art and his wife Rose, her sisters Nelly, Rita (in Holland) and Johanna (in France), smiling and repeating “Hallelujah.” On June 23, 2021, with outstretched arms she reached to the heavens to be received by her Lord and Savior. Her union with Christ is complete. Her soul is now “free at last” by God’s amazing grace, a life well lived. Love never ends.

Life and Legacy service to be held in New Jersey on July 31, 2021.