Catharina Hendrika Jerona (Toos) van Riel - Spoor

It is with profound sadness that the family of Catharina Spoor announces her passing on February 6, 2024. Catharina’s lovely spirit was gently released on a beautiful sunny day at Eden Gardens where she was loved and cared for with kindness and compassion by all who work there. Her 20-year journey with dementia now complete, she is finally free to join her parents, her many siblings, and her loving husband Herman.

Catharina, or Toos as she was known to her family and Dutch friends, was born in the seaside resort town of Noordwijk in the Netherlands to Coenradus van Riel and Jacoba Vink. It was there that she met the love of her life, Herman Spoor. They married in 1952 and ten days later they left their large families behind to set sail for Canada. They ended up in Montreal and spent the next 40 years in the area.

Catharina had seafaring ancestors and was born with a strong affinity for the ocean. She was delighted to move to Nanaimo in 1990 where she could be found walking the seaside trails, often in the company of the Bowen Park Wanderers. Her favourite place was Piper’s Lagoon. During her 14 years in care she enjoyed many outings with her two friends and companions Sheila and Gordon and dogs Angie & Millie. They brought so much joy to her life.

Catharina was a gentle soul whose life centered on the care for family, pets and houseplants. She was an excellent seamstress and proficient in all kinds of needlework. She enjoyed making gifts for her children and grandchildren. She loved the sea, nature, animals, and little children.

Catharina was the last surviving member of both sides of the family and with her passing a whole generation has been lost. Catharina leaves behind her 4 children: Antoinette, Charlotte, Nick and Belinda (Marc) as well as 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

All those who knew and loved her are welcome to join us for a celebration of her life at First Memorial/Dignity Funeral Home at 1720 Bowen Road on March 1 at 11:00.

We would like to invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the Celebration of Life - the recording will also be available online for up to 30 days after the service. Please reach out to family for the password: https://funeraweb.tv/en/beloved/118025