Anneke Barendina den Boer

She has grieved the loss of her husband Gary since his passing on October 13, 2021. She was a devoted, loving, and caring mother to Bill (Jeanette), Joanne, Elsa, and Anita (Steve) and to her 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her brother Theo Sterkenburg and sister Corrie Van Mersbergen; sisters-in-law Connie MacDonald, Mary Sterkenburg, Hillie den Boer, Elizabeth den Boer, Nell Visscher, Elsa (Frank) Torfs, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Gerry Sterkenburg, twin brother Adrian Sterkenburg, Dirk Sterkenburg, sister Nellie Romijn and brothers-in-law Anton Van Mersbergen, John and Leonard den Boer, Pete Visscher, and sister-in-law Riet Sterkenburg.

Mom was born to Dirk and Johanna Sterkenburg in Dussen, The Netherlands, arriving earlier than expected, along with her twin brother, on December 29, 1933. In spite of initial and ongoing health concerns, she lived to the unexpected age of 88 years. Mom experienced much trouble during the war years and graduated from grade 6 at the age of 13 and went to work in Rotterdam as a housekeeper. She came to Canada and later married Dad on March 14, 1957, to whom she was married for 64 years. Mom was kind, gentle, and erg gezellig. She sought to make the home a good place to be. She loved children. Mom was gifted in the artistry of crocheting and knitting, and her baby clothes were much appreciated by family and different mission organizations.

Mom was timid in faith and struggled with assurance, yet she could confess that God was always faithful. There were times in her life that the Word of God came to her with power. She loved the Psalms, and these were also sung to her the days before and during her passing into eternity.

A special thank you to Drs. C. Ross (long time family doctor) and Dr. Janz for their loving, patient, and diligent care for Mom. We would like to express our heart-felt gratitude to the staff at Sunset Manor for their excellent and loving care of our dear mother.

An opportunity to express condolences will be given on Friday, April 8, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home at 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m. in the Bethel Reformed Church, 8920 Broadway Street, Chilliwack with Rev. Van Ruitenburg officiating. Interment to follow at Chilliwack Cemeteries, 10010 Hillcrest Drive, with a return to the church’s fellowship hall for a light lunch. All the Lord willing.

You may listen to the service by accessing the following:

https://www.nrcchilliwack.org

Bethel Netherlands Reformed Congregation | SermonAudio

The graveside service will not be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations given to the Sunset Manor would be gratefully appreciated.

Sunset Manor 8920 Broadway, Chilliwack, BC V2P 5W1

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca for the Den Boer family.