March 13, 1935 - November 16, 2022
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Anna (Ankie)
Bruigom on November 16,2022. However we are comforted in knowing that in her words she was "ready to meet her maker" and is at peace in the arms of her heavenly father.
Mom was born in Hillegom, Holland, March 13,1935 to Otto and Marie Zijlstra, the third eldest in a family of ten children. As a child she spent many hours swimming, biking, skating and playing the piano in addition to looking after her younger siblings. In 1959 mom's free spirit lead her to immigrate to Canada after obtaining her nursing diploma in Haarlem, Holland.
After her marriage and starting a family in Richmond, the family moved to Sidney, B.C., where she made many life-long friends. The family landed in the Comox Valley in 1969. Following many years invested in raising her children, Mom returned to work at the Garden Patch Florist, Bevan Lodge
and finally as an activity aid at St. Joseph's hospital Extended Care where she remained until her retirement. Mondays were her "Golden Day" where she dried and arranged stunning floral arrangements that she would show and sell.
In her free time, Mom loved to swim, and Kye Bay and the Spit were her favorite places to spend a sunny afternoon. Playing the piano remained a big part of her life and she often shared this with friends and her church family. Mom's strong faith was a great support to her.
Mom treasured the time spent with her children, Marion Bruigom, Tom Bruigom, Jillan (Steve) Paterson and Melissa Spooner. One of her favorite outings was to picnic at the Comox Marina Park with her granddaughters Alexandra (Andrew) Grant and Christina Paterson and her 2 great grandchildren Sawyer and Shiloh Grant. Visits with her older sister Jopie (Jan) Baartman in Qualicum were also very special.
We take comfort in knowing that Mom was not alone when she passed and would like to thank the staff at Eagleview for the care she received there. We also thank Dr. Johnson of Highland Medical Clinic for her many years of care.
A graveside service was held December 5, 2022 for immediate family and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.