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Catharina Maria Agnes Nyhuis (nee Kamphuis)

November 18, 2017

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Oct 7, 1921 - Nov 18, 2017
Catharina Maria Agnes Nyhuis (nee Kamphuis) October 7, 1921- November 18, 2017

Our dearest mother and oma passed peacefully away at Yucalta Lodge, Campbell River, B.C., where she has resided for the past 6 1/2 years.

She was born in Oldenzaal, The Netherlands to a prosperous and loving family.  She was the second born of eight children.  She is survived by her three children:  Anton (Marcia) Nyhuis; Ria Bainbridge; Ben (Betty Ann Baich) Nyhuis; two grandsons:  Zachary Nyhuis and Aaron Bainbridge and two sisters: Leny Van Bentham and Finy (John) Van Velzen.

Our mom had many hardships.  She endured WWII as a teenager and became involved working with the underground to help feed the Jewish families that were hidden by the locals.  She would steal food from the German soldiers (who confiscated goods from the town) while they drank coffee in their dining room while her siblings kept watch.

She married  our father Benjamin Nyhuis, had a son and moved to Canada to escape the ravages of the war. They started a new life which wasn't always easy but they learned to love Canada and be proud to be a Canadian citizen.  They settled in Toronto, Ontario and retired in Nelson, B.C.  She became a widow at the age of 59 and then moved to Campbell River. 

Our mother is known for relentless number of kind deeds.  She always had a stranger at our dining table during holiday seasons who needed a good meal.  She spent many years doing volunteer services in any community she lived in.  She was extraordinary and we will always honor her for her courage, strength, and being true to herself. 

She was a loving mom who put her children and grandchildren  first. She was trustworthy, hard worker, great cook, challenging,  generous, beautiful, realistic (her famous "vat can you do", accepted all her hardships with dignity and mostly she was a wonderful mom.  She gave us the gift of a childhood and we were loved.

Mom, we love you and miss you very much.  We hope you have found your peace you so deserve.  You are our strength and our light.

Thank you eternally to the Yucalta staff and Dr. Proctor for their dedication to my mom's care.  Our journey together has ended but never forgotten.

There is no funeral.  A celebration of her life will be held when her cremains will be put to rest in Nelson, B.C. next summer.  Our mom taught us the joy of kind deeds. 

In lieu of flowers it is requested an act of kindness be performed in her honour.



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