Berendina “Dinie” Johanna Kloosterboer, of Cobble Hill, British Columbia, died peacefully at Cowichan Hospice House, Nov. 3, 2023, at the age of 70. Dinie leaves behind her life-long partner, Blaine Belecki, of Cobble Hill; cherished siblings, John (Mary) Kloosterboer of Kincardine; Alice Kloosterboer (Greg Harms) of Vancouver, B.C.; and Don Kloosterboer (Nancy Rutledge) of Port Albert. She will be greatly missed by her sister-in-law, Barbara (Geoff) Belecki; and brother-in-law, Gary (Samantha) Belecki. Predeceased by her parents, Hentje and Tony Kloosterboer. Also fondly remembered by family friends, Bé Dekker and Sue Kloosterboer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and relatives in The Netherlands. Dinie was born in Almen, The Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada in 1954, when Tony and Hentje settled in Paisley, Ontario, and later bought a farm in Kincardine Township. Clever and ambitious, she graduated with a B.Sc from Western University. She had a long career in hi-tech, starting at Digital Equipment Corporation during its heyday, thriving with the challenging work and sharing many a beer with her colleagues. Dinie was very handy at do-it-yourself projects and, suitably, finished her working life at Home Depot in Duncan. She was always a very creative and crafty person. Her home is filled with her beautifully-crocheted curtains and framed embroideries. She loved animals, especially dogs, which were a constant presence and centre of activity in her home. Dinie believed in making a difference, however small, and showed continuing support for the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the B.C. Parks Association. She was extremely grateful for the loving care and support she received from the staff and volunteers at the Victoria Cancer Clinic, the Cowichan District Hospital, the Victoria General Hospital, and Cowichan Hospice House. Donations to the Hospice House or Nature Conservancy are greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy. |