Zeeman, Petronella

PETRONELLA ZEEMAN

ZEEMAN:  On Thursday, July 30, 2015, Petronella (Nel) Zeeman of Balfour, BC  passed away peacefully at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson.

Nel was born May 11, 1927 in the Netherlands.  Nel and Jack were married on July 13, 1945, and they came to Canada in May of 1954.  After several years in Alberta, they settled in Cranbrook in the fall of 1959, where they lived until they moved to Balfour in 1970.  They were together until Jack’s death on July 16, 2004.

Nel worked hard to raise her family, and to support her husband in his employment.  She was an avid gardener, both vegetables and flowers, and was also active in the community, volunteering for the Womens Institute and the St. Michael’s Church Guild.  After Jack’s retirement, Jack and Nel enjoyed travelling in their motor-home, with two highlights being their trip across Canada, and one to Alaska.  Their motor-home also took them square dancing to many locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and even into the United States.  As well, they took many trips back to Europe.  Nel was an active member of the Balfour Senior Citizens #120 for many years.

Nel is survived by her children: Katy (Don), Eve (Skip), Jack, Nel (Bill), Pat (Garry) and Lydia (Dan); by her grandchildren:  Rob (Dawn), Karen (Ron), Susanna (Mike), Tracey (Mark), Tammy (Colin), Jody (Mark), Chris (Meg), Kevin (Sarah), Sheldon (Winnie) and Casey; by her great-grandchildren:  Kymber-Lee, Caitlin, Jonathan, Katherine, James and Danika; by her brothers Gerrit and Nico; and by her sisters, Aaf, Jannie and Rina.  Cremation has taken place.

A family tradition for many years was to gather at Mom and Dad’s house for coffee on Sunday, and the tradition continued even after Dad left us.  To celebrate Nel’s life, the family will be hosting a Memorial Coffee Party on Sunday, August 9th, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the house, 7642 Highway 3A, Balfour.  No flowers please – Mom still has lots in her garden for us to enjoy.  As an expression of sympathy, family and friends who wish may make donations to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, 3 View Street, Nelson, BC  V1L 2V1.  Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.

On line condolence may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca