April 5, 1936 - March 3, 2025
In loving memory ~
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Cornelia Adriantje Grypstra on the morning of March 3rd 2025. She was born in the small Dutch town of Neuwe-Tonge on the island of Over Flakkee in South Holland. Her parents Jan and Cornelius Bruggeman had 1 other child Len whom they raised in this farming area close to the sea. As a child she lived through WWII in occupied Holland. They were driven from their home and lived as refugees in Northern Holland until the liberation in 1945. After returning to their home, they were struck by another disaster in January 1953. A major storm along with high tides broke through the dikes and flooded their home, drowning many and devastated much of the island that they lived on. It was soon after this that the family immigrated to Terrace where her father began working at Frank's Dairy. It was during this time that Corrie returned to Holland to marry Peter Grypstra on January 10th, 1957. She returned to Canada and was followed by Pete in November after he completed his commitment to the Dutch Marines
Their Family started to grow in 1961 with the birth of Irving and again in 1963 with the arrival of Wendy. Corrie worked as a chamber maid and housekeeper for a number of years. She was also a carpenter alongside Pete building a number of homes throughout Terrace. During these years she often worked with her parents and others on their Bruggeman & Sons farm in New Remo.
Later in life Corrie and Pete purchased the Rainbow Inn in 1984 after it had gone into bankruptcy. They revived the motel and ran it for 5 years. After selling the motel they retired to a life of helping raise grandkids and volunteering on many different levels in the community. Corrie was very much a part of the Terrace Pentecostal Assembly serving the Lord gladly by volunteering around the church, teaching Sunday school, helping out with childcare or working at the church camp. She also enjoyed helping with the Terrace Beautification society, looking after the boxes at the top of Lanfear. She often happily chauffeured many of her friends around helping them get to appointments or go grocery shopping. This was later reciprocated by a number of her friends.
She passed away after a brief stay at the hospital on March 3rd. A memorial service was held on March 10, 2025, at the Terrace Pentecostal Assembly. She is sadly missed by Irving and Brenda Grypstra and their 3 children; Mitchell (Jem), Cassie (Phil) and Tanner. By Wendy and Charlie Graydon and their 4 children Mark (Tara), Lisa (Brian), Daniel (Vanessa) and Michael along with a number of great grandchildren. We will cherish the memories.