Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Petronella DeVroom
December 28, 1933 - November 25, 2021
Tribute
On November 25, 2021, our beloved mother and Oma, Petronella (Petra) DeVroom, passed away in Cowichan District Hospital at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of daughters Monique and Karen and grandson Matthew. Petra was born on December 28, 1933, in the Netherlands. The oldest of thirteen children, she was a caretaker from an early age. To her family, she was a storyteller, sharing many anecdotes of growing up during WWII from memory, which was always vivid and sharp.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Adrianus (Ad) DeVroom, whom she married in April 1957 in the Netherlands. Together, Petra and Ad embarked on a journey of adventure and new opportunity as they immigrated to Canada in 1958. They put down roots in Ottawa, establishing a family-run boarding house, while Ad began his career as a chef, all the while maintaining a close network of friends and raising their two daughters. Amidst these new beginnings, the immigrant experience presented challenges, and Petra spoke often about her family in the Netherlands, whom she missed dearly. She travelled there several times to visit and in recent years, stayed in touch over email and FaceTime.
In 1989, Petra and Ad travelled West, retiring to Duncan to enjoy the fairer weather and to spend their later years closer to family in Edmonton. They greatly enjoyed their community at River’s Edge where they lived, and stayed active at the local pool. Karen soon moved to Victoria, which allowed for many visits and time spent together. Petra and Ad spent ten wonderful years together in Duncan, before Ad passed away in June 2000.
Petra enjoyed the companionship and support of the many Dutch retirees in Duncan, several of whom who she met through the Duncan Christian Reformed Church. She could often be found knitting, to “keep her hands busy,” and her family now cherishes the slippers and hats she made us with such care. She was generous with these knitting projects, and many were gifts or given to local charities. She lived her values of frugality and perseverance, and had a deep love of music and classic films. She was fiercely proud of her family and their achievements, always the first one to wish us congratulations or happy birthday. In recent years through the challenges brought on by vision loss, she continued to live in her own home, managing her affairs with dignity and maintaining her treasured rose bushes.
Petra is survived by her daughters Karen DeVroom, Monique Miller (Bob Miller), her grandchildren Matthew and Andrea, and her family in the Netherlands.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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: Styn, Ria, Franny, Jango en Ryu
Rust zacht, je zal gemist worden. Wij wensen de familie en vrienden veel sterkte toe in deze moeilijke tijd.
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.
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 Petronella DeVroom
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
