Smienk, Anna Jacoba (nee Sprenger)
We are saddened to announce the passing of Anna Jacoba Smienk (Sprenger) on March 7, 2015 at Nelson General Hospital. Anna was born in Amsterdam on August 15, 1931 to Anna and Johannes Sprenger and was one of five children. She married the love of her life, Geurt on October 29, 1953 in Putten, the Netherlands. Three children were born before moving to Canada in November 1960. Geurt and Anna built up a greenhouse business in Coalhurst, Alberta but moved to Nelson in 1973 with their now five children. Redfish Greenhouse was born and Geurt and Anna’s adventure in the Kootenays began. Over the years the Smienk clan grew and Anna and Geurt gardened. Anna was a member of St. Michael’s All Saints Anglican Church in Balfour. Anna leaves behind five children, ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one sister, several nieces and nephews, adopted family and many friends. Anna will be missed by all. The service to commemorate her life will be held at the Balfour Covenant Church 7741 Upper Balfour Rd. Balfour on Thursday, March 12 at 2:00 pm.
