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ADRIANA MARIA (JEAN) VAN BERKEL (KOOLS)
Born: May 14, 1930
Date of Passing: Aug 20, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ADRIANA MARIA (JEAN) VAN BERKEL
May 14, 1930 – August 20, 2020
Jean was born May 14, 1930 in Tilburg, the Netherlands where she lived with her family and helped out in the family pub. In 1954 she married her sweetheart Matheus Van Berkel and they immigrated to Canada. They began their life together in a small home in Prairie Grove, MB. They worked hard and eventually saved enough to buy their own home on Glenview Street in St. Vital. They were blessed with two boys, Robert and Timothy, who brought joy to her life. Jean loved cooking and sewing for her family. Her greatest joy was in taking care of the people she loved. In 1980 the family moved together to a new home and hobby farm in Dufresne where they lived for 20 years. Jean loved children and was overjoyed to also be blessed with four grandchildren who she loved to spoil. In the year 2000, Matt and Jean decided to give up the country life and retire back to St. Vital where Jean could be close to the stores and sales that she loved so much.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Elisabeth Kools, her two brothers, Casey and Harry, and her sisters, Diane, Joanne and Ria. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 66 years, Matheus, her sons, Robert (Claudette) and Timothy (Carmen), by her four grandchildren, Dustin, Danielle, Ashley and Ryan, her sisters-in-law, Tina Wolfs and Cory Wouters, many nieces and nephews as well as many great friends and neighbours they made during their life in Canada.
We would like to thank the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
A private service will be held for the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Matt and Jean were the first to welcome me to Canada in the 60's. We kept in touch ever since I did a lot of electical work for them and some painting. Jean was always there with food and coffee. I enjoyed their stories about their life in Holland. Fond memories. Rest in peace Jean. Tom Jones. - Posted by: Tom Jones (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2022
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My condolences to the family. Jean and Theys were long time friends of my parents Jules and Jeannette Gheeraert. I used to babysit Robert and Tim. They were asleep when I arrived and Jean would have homemade cookies set out for me. I have her speculaas cookie recipe. Jean loved to talk about her grandkids and show pictures. She quite often had a little joke to share with us. Cherish her memory. Maria Mathieson (Gheeraert) Family friend - Posted by: Maria Mathieson (Gheeraert) (Family friend) on: Sep 01, 2020
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My deepest condolences to the family. I remember visiting Jean and Theys so often with my mom and dad (Jeannette and Jules). Jean was so welcoming and interesting to talk to. I loved hearing the strong Dutch accent and I remember playing with Simba the German Shepherd and years later the two cats with beautiful markings. Always enjoyed talking about horses with Theys as well. Stay strong and know she had a life well. Hold onto the memories. - Posted by: Audrey Gheeraert Comte (Family Friend) on: Aug 30, 2020
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I recall many fond memories of Jean while growing up on Glenview Ave. My parents, Peggy and Bill McBeth were best of friends with Matt and Jean. I’ll miss her.❤️ - Posted by: Murray McBeth (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2020
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It is so difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, especially a Mom! We are so sorry for your loss! May our heavenly Father bestow upon you all His blessings of love, peace, comfort, consolation and the hope of the Resurrection! - Posted by: Mae Ross (old neighbor of Claudette's) on: Aug 29, 2020