Obituaries

GEVERS, Cornelia Adriana "Corry"

June 12, 1920 - April 8, 2021

On the evening of April 8, 2021 our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Cornelia Adriana "Corry" Gevers, went to be with the Lord.

Born June 12, 1920 in the Netherlands to Martinus and Dimphina Vroegryk, Corry was the middle child of 13 children and grew up on an acreage with a large garden and livestock. At a young age, Mom left home to work as a housekeeper for a neighbour town doctor. Our Mom lived through the Second World War from age 19 to 25. At the time she was in a relationship with our Dad, but they had to part ways due to the war for several years. Mom often spoke of the war and how difficult those times were, however she always said they were the fortunate ones living in the country, as those living in the cities were often with very little or no food to eat. After the war ended Mom and Dad, Marinus Gevers started dating again and married on July 19, 1950. Shortly after the birth of their second child they made the difficult decision to move to Canada, the country with more opportunities. This was difficult for Mom, for in those days travel was very rare and most people didn't have phones, she knew she would likely never see her parents or hear their voices again, which was the case. Mom, Dad and two toddlers arrived in Canada July 31, 1954. Corry and Marinus had five more children in Canada. Mom’s last child was born when she was 45 which she said “always kept her young”.

Mom was a devoted, caring and loving "stay-at-home mom" for most of the years her children were growing up. English was her second language, however she learned to speak and write the language very quickly and beautifully. Something Mom did not take up was to learn to drive, however this did not stop her from getting around; she rode her bicycle everywhere. The bicycle was used for everything from picking up groceries to occasionally delivering Dad his lunch that he forgot at home to his work some distance away, and later even visiting her children when they had homes of their own. We have to mention, Mom had a very standard bike with no extra gears but she could still pedal her bike all the way up Springfield hill until she was 80 years old! She also lived in the family home until she was 95 years old, still doing her own housework and some of the gardening and yard work as well.

Together Mom and Dad did their fair share of travels to Europe (Holland mostly), New Zealand, some nice Hawaiian trips, along with eastern Canada. Mom loved to travel taking her first trip on her own to see her siblings after not seeing them 17 years in 1971.

Corry is survived by her seven children Ella Milligan, Martin Gevers (Tara), Bill Gevers (Alisa), Dianne Povey (John), Martha Forsyth (Cory), Annemarie Calder (Cam), and Walter Gevers (Kristy); 20 grandchildren; and 15 (soon to be 16) great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Marinus Gevers (d. 2006); son-in-law Gary Milligan (d. 2016); and all of her 12 brothers and sisters.

We would like to thank many of the great nurses and care-aids at Mission Creek Landing for their care of Mom over the past 5 years.

Due to Covid-19, a private Funeral Mass will be held, for her children only, at Corpus Christi Parish on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (click direct link below)

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/gevers-cornelia-adriana-corry

Condolence Messages

May 02, 2021
Walter, sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother. She had an amazing life and has left a wonderful legacy for all of you, and many memories wnich will comfort you in your grief. Our thoughts are with you, Ed & Reggie Wingerter
Apr 20, 2021
Ella, what a beautiful tribute to your Mom. You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you all. Donna Fooks
Apr 18, 2021
The Gevers Family

Another great Dutchie gone

May time ease your sorrow,and loving memories bring you Peace.

Our Sincere Condolences

The Kruiper Family's
Apr 17, 2021
To the Gevers Family

Our Codolences with the loss of your Mom &Grandma.

Such a Happy person she was, we have many wonderful memories of both your Parents.when they came to Okanagan Centre we walked together .

Sincerely Joe and Nellie Ooyevaar
Apr 16, 2021
Our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

The Gaal Family
Apr 16, 2021
Very sad to hear of your Mom' s passing. She was a lovely person who was a positive influence on all who met her. Rest in peace. The Showler
Apr 15, 2021
To the Gevers family

Our "Dutch" families go way back, having such wonderful, fond memories. I am especially thankful for the more recent visits with your mom and our mom when they were together at Cottonwoods. I just loved your mom's cheerful disposition and her calming voice.

Sincere condolences to you all. She lived a long and fulfilling life.

Ann-Marie Reimer (Heemskerk)
Apr 15, 2021
To the Gevers Family .

Our heartfelt Condolences. Corrie was a great friend .

We always loved our visits .

God Bless her ,

Wied and Maria van den Eerenbeemt van de Rijdt.
Apr 15, 2021
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of Corry. Corry and I shared many years as parish members of Holy Spirit and we also shared a mutual birthday (June 12) with Father Brenden. Thoughts and prayers. Ben Schell
Apr 14, 2021
Our sympathy, The Hagel Family.
Apr 14, 2021
Dear Dianne, John and whole extended family, so sorry for the pain of loss you are experiencing at this most difficult time. It is never easy to lose a MOM. What an amazing life she lived and so fortunate to have such loving children, grandchildren. and great grandchildren. sending caring thoughts your way with love and deepest sympathy, Joanne Beaulieu
Apr 14, 2021
Dear Ella, Martin, Bill and brothers and sisters,

The world is a poorer place now with your Mom’s passing. What a remarkable woman she was! A great wife to your Dad and a loving mother to her children. She lived a full and adventurous life. You all have fond memories of her which speak to her wisdom and devotion and hard work during difficult times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don and BonnieJean Bach
Apr 13, 2021
To the Gevers family,

So sorry to hear of your mom and grandma's passing. She was an amazing lady, always with a smile and laugh. May your many great memories of her and her love for you all help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Paul and Melody Kouwenhoven
Apr 13, 2021
Fond memories of your mother, she lived a very active life, the write-up fills in the last few years. Condolences Mel Kruger & Donna
Apr 13, 2021
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother, sincerely Joe and Janet Roth.
Apr 13, 2021
In deepest sympathy my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Diane Appel
Apr 13, 2021
What a long life well lived! She outlived all her siblings and now she can see them again ! Our condolences to the family !

Ernie & Ruth Penninga