Obituary for Nellie van Dyken (Ypma)
The family of Jeltje (Nellie) van Dyken (Ypma) is saddened to announce her sudden passing at the age of 88 on Sunday July 09, 2023 at the TBRHSC.
Nellie was born in Drachten, Friesland, The Netherlands on December 12, 1934 to Jacob and Trijntje Ypma. The family moved to Argentina when Nellie was 2 years old and they lived there for 10 years. She often talked about how she loved running around barefoot and being a tomboy on the ranch.
When she was 12 the family moved once again, this time to Canada. Settling first on a small farm in Pearl and then moving to a dairy farm in Slate River. Learning English was a little bit of a challenge, but Nellie would say that the other kids at school and their neighbours were very kind and helped the family adjust to their new life.
She met our dad at the CLE fair and were married on September 06, 1957.
50 years ago they built a home in Rosslyn Village and still lived there until her passing. Nellie was a lifelong member of First Christian Reformed Church and she loved the Lord with all her heart. She also loved children and her gift was babysitting. We often joked that she helped raise half of Rosslyn.
Nellie & Pieter enjoyed a number of trips to the Netherlands, road trips with Johann & Rika Schelhaas and more than 1 family vacation to the Caribbean. Nellie even ventured on a trip with her kids & grandkids to Disney World and a trip back to Argentina with her niece and brother-in-law. When the family was younger they took numerous road trips. The route was always planned based on where families with a last name starting with “van” lived
Left to mourn Nellie are her husband of 65 years Pieter, their 3 children Jenny van Dyken, James & Shirley van Dyken, Debbie & Henry Streutker. 4 grandchildren Chris & Emily Streutker, Sheila & Jonah Bolt, Allison Streutker (Adrian) & Amanda Streutker (Cole). 6 great-grandchildren Brianne, Carter & Braden Streutker, Riley, Jenna, & Oaklyn Bolt. Her sister Julie & Tom Jenkins as well as numerous nieces and nephews here in Canada, the US & the Netherlands.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Blair, Debbie, Kelsea, Dave, Ron, Janine, Carrie & Matthew for being exceptionally caring neighbours. These people have been looking out for Mom and Dad for a good number of years. The family is grateful for the care Mom received on the 5th floor at St. Joes.
Funeral services will be held on Friday July 14, 2013 at 11:00AM in First Christian Reformed Church, Arthur Street with Reverend Aaron LeGrow officiating. Interment will precede the service in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Procession to leave First Christian Reformed Church at 9:30AM. Childcare will be available. Visitation will be held on Thursday July 13, 2013 between 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Blake Funeral Chapel 200 May Street, Thunder Bay, ON
In lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Christian School would be greatly appreciated.
Nellie was born in Drachten, Friesland, The Netherlands on December 12, 1934 to Jacob and Trijntje Ypma. The family moved to Argentina when Nellie was 2 years old and they lived there for 10 years. She often talked about how she loved running around barefoot and being a tomboy on the ranch.
When she was 12 the family moved once again, this time to Canada. Settling first on a small farm in Pearl and then moving to a dairy farm in Slate River. Learning English was a little bit of a challenge, but Nellie would say that the other kids at school and their neighbours were very kind and helped the family adjust to their new life.
She met our dad at the CLE fair and were married on September 06, 1957.
50 years ago they built a home in Rosslyn Village and still lived there until her passing. Nellie was a lifelong member of First Christian Reformed Church and she loved the Lord with all her heart. She also loved children and her gift was babysitting. We often joked that she helped raise half of Rosslyn.
Nellie & Pieter enjoyed a number of trips to the Netherlands, road trips with Johann & Rika Schelhaas and more than 1 family vacation to the Caribbean. Nellie even ventured on a trip with her kids & grandkids to Disney World and a trip back to Argentina with her niece and brother-in-law. When the family was younger they took numerous road trips. The route was always planned based on where families with a last name starting with “van” lived
Left to mourn Nellie are her husband of 65 years Pieter, their 3 children Jenny van Dyken, James & Shirley van Dyken, Debbie & Henry Streutker. 4 grandchildren Chris & Emily Streutker, Sheila & Jonah Bolt, Allison Streutker (Adrian) & Amanda Streutker (Cole). 6 great-grandchildren Brianne, Carter & Braden Streutker, Riley, Jenna, & Oaklyn Bolt. Her sister Julie & Tom Jenkins as well as numerous nieces and nephews here in Canada, the US & the Netherlands.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Blair, Debbie, Kelsea, Dave, Ron, Janine, Carrie & Matthew for being exceptionally caring neighbours. These people have been looking out for Mom and Dad for a good number of years. The family is grateful for the care Mom received on the 5th floor at St. Joes.
Funeral services will be held on Friday July 14, 2013 at 11:00AM in First Christian Reformed Church, Arthur Street with Reverend Aaron LeGrow officiating. Interment will precede the service in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Procession to leave First Christian Reformed Church at 9:30AM. Childcare will be available. Visitation will be held on Thursday July 13, 2013 between 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Blake Funeral Chapel 200 May Street, Thunder Bay, ON
In lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Christian School would be greatly appreciated.