August 4, 1926 - August 31, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Teresa Steenvoorden announces her passing on August 31, 2019 at Castleview Care Centre in Castlegar.
Teresa, the youngest of 10, was born in Kortenhoef, Holland on August 4th, 1926. After high school she studied and became a registered nurse. Shortly after, Teresa married the love of her life, Frank Steenvoorden. Within weeks of the birth of their first child, Teresa & Frank boarded an immigrant ship and sailed for Canada.
Upon arriving in Canada, the family boarded a train for Victoria and somehow ended up living on a hillside outside Lumby for a short time before moving to Salmo and later Nelson where they began establishing their lives in Canada. It was during this time that three more children arrived to help brighten their home.
In 1962 Teresa & Frank moved to Castlegar where two more children graced their doorway. Castlegar holds many fond memories of her children growing up, graduating SHSS and getting married. Visits with her family, in their longtime home beside the tennis courts, could never go on long enough and the more the merrier.
In Castlegar, Teresa learned to play tennis, which she played and enjoyed until she was 85. While her tennis was important, it was the special friendships that she established through the game that continued to mean the most to her. Teresa had many hobbies including reading, needlepoint, cards and music. She sang for many years with the St. Rita's church choir. Many will also remember Teresa as a walker, often seen running errands along Columbia Ave.
In 2002, Teresa moved into Castlewood where she formed special memories with the staff and many new friends she made. Teresa shifted from her home in Castlewood to Castleview Care Centre just a few short weeks before her passing.
While Teresa lost Frank in 1998, the memories of their life together remained very dear to her. Left to mourn her passing are her 6 children: Frank (Gloria) Steenvoorden, Irene (Robert) Paterson, Mary Ann (Robert) Fullerton, Tom (Lynn) Steenvoorden, Mark (Lisa) Steenvoorden and Paul (Holly) Steenvoorden as well as 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, Teresa's close friend and "adopted child" of 47 years, Phyllis Dolgopol, and countless friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ankenbauer for his diligent care, and to the management and staff of Castleview; you not only did a phenomenal job of caring for Teresa as her time drew to a close, you patiently and lovingly guided the family through it as well. Thank you.
A funeral service will be held at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Castlegar on Thursday, September 26th, 2019 at 10:30 am. Luncheon and Interment to follow. Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.