Obituaries

VAN TIL, Derkina "Kina"

Derkina "Kina" van Til (née Wierenga), daughter of the late Hijlke and Jakobina (née Roorda) Wierenga passed away at the age of 76 on March 8, 2025, in Kelowna, British Columbia after a long struggle with an acquired brain injury and subsequent complications.

Kina will be missed by her beloved husband of 46 years, Max van Til. She also leaves behind her loving children, Bianka Zylstra (Brad), Erick van Til (Lindsay), Grace-Emma Bierma (Nick), Hilko van Til (Rachel), and Anna Hummelen (Greg). She will be missed by her step-mother Tjitske Wierenga De Vos. She was cherished by her grandchildren Laura Hamming, Erick Hamming (Kara), Logan van Til, Jakob van Til, Clara van Til, Diana van Til, Hilko van Til, Kina van Til, Eva van Til, and Tycho van Til; and great-grandchildren Reiker Hamming, Oaklyn Hamming, and Ezekiel Hamming.

Kina will also be missed by her brothers, Jan Wierenga (Jeroen), Jaap Wierenga (Betty), Jan Jans Wierenga (Tinus), Henk Wierenga (Annet) and sisters, Gea Wierenga (Jan), Annet Wierenga & Elga Wierenga. Kina comes from a large, extended family and will be missed by many.

Kina was also predeceased by her sweet grandson David Hamming, great-grandson Maverick Hamming, and niece Janita Parks.

We also want to give honourable mention to Ana Herrera, Guido & Luisa Peña and the many dear ministry partners in the Dominican Republic who were like family to her.

Kina had a rich faith in Jesus and longed for the day she would be with him.

She was a nurturer of plants and flowers, an avid reader, a prayer warrior, and a drinker of very strong coffee. Her hospitality was exceptional, and the family often joked that her home came with a revolving door; Everyone was welcomed and would be offered a beverage, a gebakje, a listening ear and solid advice.

Although we will miss our vibrant Kina, we will cherish the many good memories of her investment in our lives.

A Memorial Service will be held at Stratford Christian Reformed Church | 190 Athlone Crescent, Stratford, Ontario N4Z 1H9 on May 24, 2025:

Visitation at 10:00am
Service at 11:00am (A livestream link can be found on this website: Stratford Christian Reformed Church - Video Stream)
Luncheon to follow
All are welcome

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ongoing work that was started by Max & Kina in the Dominican Republic

Go to www.mybethel.ca and click the "Giving" icon on the top right of the webpage. Then on the left side called "Online Giving" click the "Give" button. It will go to a secure site where you can add the amount and the drop down menu on the right will have "Mission- Dominican". Fill out the details needed and then add the payment method then click "Give Now".

To give by personal cheque, please send to "Bethel Stratford" with "Dominican Mission" in the bottom notes:
Bethel Address: 2988 Highway 7 & 8, Stratford, ON N5A 6S5 c/o Lorraine Nolan-Treasurer

Or, to Kim and/or Conroy Schelhaas, 2926 Forest Road Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6S5 - Again "Dominican Mission" in the bottom notes.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/van-til-kina (click matching link below).