Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Greta Koekkoek (Dieleman)
July 2, 1936 - June 18, 2021
Tribute
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Greta Koekkoek, nee Dieleman. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to all those whose lives she touched. After courageously battling cancer, Greta returned to her heavenly home on June 18 2021.
Born on July 2 1936 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, her childhood saw her living through the turmoil of occupation during the 2nd World War. Young Greta witnessed incredible and frightening changes to her world, which shaped the inner strength upon which she would rely in later years. The family immigrated to Canada when Greta was 12 years old, settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was there she met her life-long partner Bastiaan Koekkoek and they married in 1956. Greta and Bas raised their family on a farm in Dugald, Manitoba and then, in 1980, moved across the country to the Cowichan Valley on beautiful Vancouver Island. Greta was the beloved mother of Leonard (Diane), Ronald (Wendy), Mary Lynn (Gordon), Paul (Sylvia) and Carol Anne (Jason); and proud grandmother of Sean, Tyler, Tanner, Danielle, Luke, Chy-Ann, Alliyah, and Danton and great granddaughter Anna; and favorite aunt to multiple nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers Dan and Billy.
Greta maintained an immaculately clean house while juggling 5 children, and more often than not lovingly taking in anyone who needed help. Greta had a passion for gardening, keeping beautifully manicured flower and vegetable gardens. Greta also sewed, baked and was an accomplished watercolor artist, all the while making everything look effortless. Greta was active within her church community and volunteered with the Cowichan Family Life Association, and most recently at the Missions For Bibles Thrift Store. She loved her family, had a strong faith in God and instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Karl Van Heyst
Relation: Cousin
Dear Bas and family,
Our sincere condolences to you, families Koekkoek and Dieleman, with the loss of your loved one, who was my cousin from my mother’s side. So we have known her for a long time. She was a very lively person, as we remember her. Some of her siblings used to call her “ Ons Spinneke” I think because she was so tiny. Bas you are going to miss her the most of your family. You and Greta were married for 65 years, which is the same for Joan and me.
We wish you strength from the Lord and His Comfort, knowing that Greta went to her Saviour in heaven.
Love from Joan and Karl Van Heyst.
From: Linda Schreuders
Relation: Former neighbor and former church family
Dear Baas, Leonard, Ronald, Paul, Mary-Lynn and Carol-Ann
It was with much sadness that we heard the news of Greta’s passing. We as a whole family have many memories of all of you as our neighbors, Greta as our school bus-driver, and much, much more! Your Mom/wife was a wonderful person. We pray you find comfort in all the wonderful memories that you have of her. On behalf of our whole family , our deepest condolences.
From: William Dieleman
Relation: Nephew
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of the Koeokoek family. Although I have not been in contact with my Aunt for many years, I always remember her as a very careful , thought person
From: Kathy Miller
Relation: Former work college driving school bus.
I was so sad to hear of your loss. My condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Greta Koekkoek
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
