Tribute

1935-2026

Neeltje (Oma) Poelman passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, after spending her last days at home surrounded by loving family and dear friends.

Neeltje was born in Houten, Utrecht, Netherlands, on September 19, 1935, the only daughter of Cornelius and Johanna van der Kley. Nel immigrated to Canada in 1952 with her parents and younger brother Arie on board the Leerdam, where she also met the love of her life, Jannes Poelman. They were all sponsored by the same fruit grower in the Okanagan. Shortly after, Jannes moved to Vancouver Island and Nel and her family followed.

Nel married Jannes on June 4, 1955, in the Christian Reformed Church in Duncan. The happy couple purchased their farm in Shawnigan Lake the day before the wedding.

Nel was an immensely supportive partner to Jannes, helping in the barn and dairy, washing bottles and carrying milk on the milk route they had for several years. While in Shawnigan Lake, they were blessed with four children: Audrey, John, Grace and Gerald. In 1964, the family moved to Cowichan Bay, where the farm continues today.

Nel was actively involved in church life at Duncan CRC, serving with various committees and groups, and always did a substantial amount of visiting. She was also an Honourary Lifetime Member of the Vancouver Island Holstein Club and the Cobble Hill Farmers Institute, participating in the Cobble Hill Fair for more than 60 years.

During her “retirement years” Nel travelled the world with Jannes, visiting many countries together. She also devoted countless hours to her projects—knitting thousands of pairs of socks for family and friends, toques for the Ministry to the Seafarers, and sewing diapers and bandages for Canada Comfort. Her hands were rarely idle. The door to her home was always open for family, friends and strangers, and no one ever left hungry.

Nel is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Jannes (2016), son John (1996), grandson Anthony (2001), and son-in-law Don (2016).

She leaves to mourn, but not without hope, Audrey and Ralph, Shirley, Grace and Wim, Gerald and Shannon; eight grandchildren John, Amanda (Mike), Jennifer (Justin), Greg (Katie), Stephanie (Shaun), Taylor (Andrew), Kristina (Carl), Brian (Sherisse) and Jessie (Eric); and 10 great-grandchildren, Casey, Lainey, Bowen, Charlotte, Francine, Sierra, Levi, Lincoln, Grady and Jack. Additionally, her brother Arie, many nieces and nephews, treasured friends and countless others whose lives she touched.

The family would like to thank everyone who assisted with Oma’s care over the past year, including the VIHA Home Support and Palliative Care teams for all their help over the last few weeks, and especially to Dr. Persson for his home visits. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.