Sara Hooysma (née VanderKooij) passed away peacefully, into the presence of her Saviour and surrounded by loved ones, on July 23, 2024, at the Heron Grove Care Home after a long and arduous battle with dementia.
Predeceased by her father, Rev. Jacob VanderKooij, her mother, Johanna VanderKooij née Streefkerk, her brother Jacob (Jaap), and her husband Riekel (Rick).
Leaving to mourn: her children, Paul and Joanne; her much-loved daughter-in-law, Sandy; her adored grandchildren and great-grandchild, Joshua (Darian) and baby Jack, Justine, Krissy (Matt), Aleesha, Jesilyn, Sofie, and Holly; her sisters, Joos and Lenie, as well as her very dear friends.
Sara was born and raised in Midwolda, Groningen in the Netherlands. Her love for children led her to a profession as a teacher. She spent a year in Paris as an au pair, attending French language studies. Her love for travel brought her to Prince George in 1963, where she met her husband Rick, whom she married the same year. They lived on a rural farm, welcoming foster children Ron and Wayne before welcoming their own children, Paul and Joanne.
Sara had a deep connection with her church and church family, dedicating 50 years of her life to playing the church organ and volunteering for numerous committees. She had a heart for the sick and lonely, visiting people as much as she could. Together with her husband, their home welcoming to all, reflecting their remarkable love for life and people.
Sara taught Kindergarten, Elementary, and High School children in School District 22 and was one of the original teachers at Vernon Christian School. Her love for nature, hiking, and foraging in the Okanagan Valley was remarkable. She possessed knowledge of flowers and trees, distinguishing edible from non-edible plants. Sara's love for her family and friends was evident in her ability to light up any room she entered. She lived by the words of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of loving one another.
Many thanks to everyone at Heron Grove Cottage 5 for the love and care they provided to Sara in the last 4+ years of her life. She could not have been in a better care home. And we are so grateful to each and every one of you.
Sara was laid to rest beside her husband at Vernon Cemetery with her family in attendance.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on her birthday, August 23, 2024, at 3 PM, with Pastor Daryl DeKlerk officiating at EAST HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH in Vernon, BC, located at 3605 12th Street. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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