Obituaries

1938 - 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cornelia Maria “Connie” den Ouden on November 19, 2024. Left to mourn her are her children — Mike (Shirley), Mark, Vicki, and Bruce (Dianne); her six grandchildren — Alex, Jeremy, Sean, Kees, Willem, Maria, and their partners; and six great-grandchildren. Connie was predeceased by her husband Abe den Ouden in 1994. She loved them all very much.

Connie den Ouden was born in Pijnacker, the Netherlands in 1938. She was the daughter of Abraham and Sietje van Herk and was one of six children — Wim, Gerry, Connie, Paul, Bram, and Nienke. The van Herk family immigrated to Canada in 1953. She was very homesick but she met many young people in the church community in Truro, Nova Scotia.

In 1956, she met a handsome, young Dutch immigrant named Abraham “Abe” den Ouden at that church. He was the love of her life. They married and had four children. In 1966, the family drove across Canada (Alberta to Nova Scotia) to visit the van Herks. They marvelled at the size of this country and all the beautiful landscapes on that trip.

They built a life together in Alberta, where they lived in Edmonton for many years and later in Redcliff. In southern Alberta, they owned and operated a greenhouse business, which they were proud of and really enjoyed. After they sold their greenhouses, they moved to Kelowna. Sadly, Abe passed away a few years later and Connie became a widow at the young age of 54 years old.

In Kelowna, she was very active in her church and volunteered at the BFM Thrift Store for 22 years. She loved working at the store — finding good deals, making new friends, and creating revenue for a good cause. She was a provincial rep for the Back to God Hour and had the honour of travelling to Chicago for meetings.

Connie put her faith into action and made a difference in the lives of many.

A Memorial Service, with Pastor Dale Slings officiating, will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Kelowna Christian Reformed Church, 239 Snowsell St., Kelowna, BC V1V 2E4. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days. A reception will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca, or the Canadian Bible Society, biblesociety.ca/ways-to-give/, are appreciated.

To view the Livestream recording or send the family condolences, please visit her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

• Nov 24, 2024
  My sincere condolences Mike and Shirley, and family. - Chris Greenway
• Nov 22, 2024
  Vicki,
  
  I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. I never met your mom but remember you often talking of her as we chatted over coffees. Deepest condolences. - Gabriele Walz
• Nov 22, 2024
  To Den Ouden family, my sincere condolences to you all. Going back a long time in Redcliff as neighbours. Lots of good memories to be had especially the work done for the new Medicine Hat Christian school. Love John Deys.

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