It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, best friend and most amazing woman, Magdalena (Madeline) Vorselaars, Friday, November 2nd, 2018 with her family around her. Mom passed far too soon at the age of 69 after a brief battle with cancer.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 49 years Rene, her daughter Vera (Jeff), son Charles (Kelly) and precious grandchildren, Raya, Anya and Reid. Mom is predeceased by her father, Alphonse Denissen, her mother, Johanna Denissen, her sister Els and brothers, Vincent and Richard.
Mom was born in Berkel Enschot, Noord Brabant, Holland. From a family of 8 children, there was always a lot of fun to be had. Later in her teen years, mom, being the helper that she was, decided on a career in nursing which she did for a year before meeting a handsome young man who enticed her to follow him to Canada - a country full of beauty and promise and immigrated in 1969.
Her first stop was Penticton before continuing on to Vernon, followed by Fernie where their daughter, Vera, was born in 1971. Later the next year, with a move to Squamish in 1972, their son, Charles was born. The following year, in 1973, they moved to Duncan, where they lived until last year with a final move to Chemainus to a condo that they renovated and made very cozy - one of the many talent's mom had.
Mom's first job in Duncan was at the Golden Oven bakery beside the K&R supermarket (some moons ago!) - where the current Shoppers Drug Mart is located. She loved working in the popular, fast-paced bakery, always serving customers with efficiency and a warm smile.
Several years later, she trained and became a highly skilled electrolygist and worked in town for 7 years before starting her own electrolysis business in her home. As kids, it was great when she started working from home. Mom took her work of working with people's skin very seriously, always taking great care. Not only was mom known for her great work, she was known for her kind and gentle manner. Always ready to listen and nice to talk to, mom developed great relationships with the clients that she had.
Mom was an amazing cook, seamstress, knitter and crafter. Anything she did, she did with such talent and skill. The amazing meals, clothing repairs/alterations, and beautiful sweaters and the like, were just a few of the wonderful gifts she gave to us that we will always treasure.
Mom was always out to make everyone happy. Holidays and birthdays were made so very special with her uncanny way to find the perfect gift for everyone, especially her grandchildren, who she loved so dearly and deeply and of who she was so very proud. The countless hours mom spent playing games, doing crafts and caring for her grandchildren while young to the wonderful conversations and amazing advice and wisdom passed on (to her children as well!!!) as they grew, was such a gift that will be treasured forever.
Mom was a beautiful person inside and out. To be around her was to feel warmth and comfort. Always happy and positive, a glass half full attitude, she preached balance and moderation, appreciation for what we have. She was very much a realist, encouraging one to not sweat the small stuff and "go with the flow". Mom was kindness through and through, a giver to the end.
In her last weeks it was difficult for her to accept help when that was all she'd ever given.
It's your time now mom. We are glad you are free from pain and have your legs back to walk, run, dance and do whatever you wish. We hope that wherever you are, you are having the most wonderful time that you deserve so very, very much. We love you so very much and will miss your beautiful face, cheerfulness and love but will aspire to be strong and carry on as you would want us to. Until we meet again.
Condolences may be offered at sandsduncan.ca.