DE KONING HOEKSEMA, JANE (Born Jantje Hoeksema) Born in Leens, the Netherlands, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in her 94th year.
From humble beginnings, Jane always carved her own path and brought her unwavering faith and appreciation for lifelong learning into every community she encountered. Being one of only a handful of women to graduate from her high school, Jane took her trailblazing ways to Canada and was amongst the first female elders at Willowdale Christian Reformed Church and chaired the Christian school board. Her children remember Jane continuing her love of learning by taking night classes while she encouraged them in their own educations. Constantly advocating for the importance of integrating faith with action, Jane was a leader dedicated to helping those hard on their luck. Opening her home and heart to foster children, travelling guests, and the occasional door-knocking stranger, her hospitality reached far beyond the walls of her homes.
Her love of God and her devotion to her community led her to volunteer for places like the Crisis Pregnancy Centre, libraries of the Christian Schools, Citizens for Public Justice, Holland Christian Homes to name just a few. Jane found beauty in God’s natural creations and in everyday objects. She held on to the clothes hanger her wedding suit came on and surrounded herself with furnishing and trinkets from her travels. Jane’s children remember the creative ways she used leftovers growing up. Her grandchildren think fondly of the two Dutch heart candies she gave for the way home. And everyone is in awe of her strength, the openness of her heart and the way she was able to navigate the ups and downs of life so gracefully. Jane had a lifetime of stories from the Netherlands and Canada that those around her were lucky to bear witness to.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Jan, and son, Jake, and survived by a sister, Jacoba, she is mourned by her children and their spouses Gerry and Pat, Neil and Klaaske, Joan and Jack Vanderkooy, Janice, Alice and Yrjo Koskinen, Nick and Shelagh, 17 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.
Memorial arrangements by Brampton Funeral Home & Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holland Christian Homes.