Adriana (Adrie) Maria
van Dongen
Apr 2,1921-Apr 14,2006
Adriana died peacefully just 2 weeks after her 85th birthday with family
present at Menno Hospital in Abbotsford after a long battle with Parkinson
disease. This amazing Mom, Oma and Great Oma will be missed by her beloved
husband of 57 years, Quirinus and their seven children; John (Karen), Casey
(Marilyn), Eddy (Judy), Jack (Ellie), Gary (Henny), Jim (Betty) and MaryAnn
(Jim Hessels). Also missing her will be their 33 grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind her brother Adrian (Nellie)
Prinse of Chilliwack, her sisters Riet, Sister Amadea, Cor, Toos, Willie and
brother Gerrit in Holland. She will be remembered by many other relatives
and friends in both Canada and Holland. Adriana was born April 2, 1921, the
second of 8 children of Cornelius (Kees) and Jacomina Prinse in Made, North
Brabant in Holland. She grew up on a farm preferring to milk the cows and
work in the fields. Adrianna first met Quirinus by throwing rocks at his
horse when she was 15. While dating, they enjoyed skating on the canal. They
married on February 3, 1949, setting sail for the promised land of Canada 3
months later. She started working as a champion potato picker in Richmond.
Their hard work allowed them to buy their first farm in Pitt Meadows in
1952. In 1964 they moved to a farm on 112 Street in Delta, which is
presently considered the home farm. Improving this acreage harnessed the
energy of their 7 children. Adrianna was a tireless worker, milking cows
almost every day until she semi-retired in 1986 to the Aldergrove/Abbotsford
area. She loved to travel, play cards, dance and party, especially
celebrating anniversaries. Adrianna had a strong faith and was always active
in her church, being a Catholic Women's League member for over 40 years.
Prayers will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 7:30 PM at St. Ann's
Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Avenue Abbotsford B.C. Mass of Christian
Burial and a celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 21, 2006
at 10:00 AM followed by a reception in the St. Ann's church hall. Interment
at the Gardens of Gethsemani. The family thanks the staff at Menno Hospital
for their loving care through the 3 1/2 years and a special thank you to all
those who visited her. In lieu of flowers, donations in Adrianna's name
would be appreciated to the Parkinson Society of B.C. 890 W. Pender St.
Vancouver B.C. V6J 1J9 or Menno Hospital, 32945 Marshall Road, Abbotsford
B.C. V2S 1K1. Arrangements in care of McLean's Funeral Services Ltd.
McLean's
(604) 847 - 3477