November 28, 1929 – January 31, 2023

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma, Aunt and friend, Fay Douma, at the age of 93 years.

Mom was predeceased by our father, Fred Douma. She leaves behind to mourn, her four children: Harriet [Al], Wolter, Renee [Evert] and Ron; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mom was born and raised in Friesland, The Netherlands.  Dad and Mom were married there, in 1952 and a few months later they immigrated to Canada. They settled in the Okanagan. Mom and Dad always thought they had moved to the best part of Canada.

Mom’s role in life can best be described as devotion to her husband and children and grandchildren. She loved to be with us, loved to laugh and have fun! To her last days, her concern was always for our wellbeing.

Mom had a passion for plants and flowers inside and outside her home. Her knitting and crocheting skills were excellent as well as her needlepoint. Reading was another thing she enjoyed!  Her “Sunday soup” was much loved by all who visited after church on Sunday.

Christmas was a special time for Mom. She loved to decorate the house with beautiful Christmas centerpieces and wall pieces that she enjoyed making every year.

When Dad purchased the Vernon Bakery, she partnered with him there as well. Mom became an excellent cake and pastry decorator along with the other duties of running the business.

Mom described retirement “as the best time of their life!”  They demonstrated their abiding love for each other and had fun just being together!  During the long days of winter Mom and Dad enjoyed completing many jigsaw puzzles. Their visits with close family and friends meant a lot to them.

Our Dad passed away in the beginning of March 2020 which was just before Covid-19 shut everything down. Mom endured the loneliness and isolation in her care home, stoically. Regardless, she was thankful for each new day and especially grateful when the sun was shining! She would express her faith during this difficult time as being “in God’s hands.”

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the caring staff at Gateby Long Term Care Facility.

A Memorial service will be held at East Hills Community Church on Saturday March 4, 2023 at 2 PM.

Mom’s parting words to her children at the end of their nightly phone call was always……

“We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”  followed by  “I love you ……”

 

Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home 250-542-4333 www.pleasantvalleyfh.com