Jacoba Maria Merritt

She was born, February 3, 1928 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Coby, her parents Cornelis & Maria Passchier and 6 siblings lived through the Second World War. They were bombed out of several homes as the War rolled through Holland, they lived where they could, relying on the kindness of strangers, farmers and the Red Cross for food and shelter.

Coby studied to be a seamstress in Holland and carried that craft with her throughout her life. She married Chris Katerberg (a Sargent Quartermaster of the Dutch Air Force) and after the War they sailed on the Voldendam to Canada and settled in Manitoba for 3 years where their first son, John was born. Coby did not enjoy the cold Manitoba Winters and together, they moved to Vancouver.

They bought a home close to Lanark & 49th Street in Vancouver and her second son Gordon was born. She worked as a seamstress in several high-end lady’s fashion shops and took great pride in her work. Coby retired to Comox in 1989 with her second husband Dale Merritt and lived very happily there for many years. She moved to Berwick when the upkeep of her home became to much and spent just about 11 years there until further care was required.

She leaves behind her two sons, John (Jan) Katerberg & Gordon (Davida) Katerberg, her grandchildren, Elisha, Will & Ben, great grandchildren Sebastian & Noah, her sister Dien in Holland, her sister-in-law Diane and extended family.

We will miss Oma’s Apple pie, croquettes and almond tarts - her specialties.

We would like to thank the caring, compassion & empathy of the entire team at Glacier View who were there to support us through this time.