Cornelia (Corrie) Paulina Maria Heijke

It is with profound sadness, yet with much love that we announce the passing of Cornelia (Corrie) Heijke. She died suddenly but peacefully on August 7, 2025, at her home in New Westminster. She was 94. Corrie was predeceased by all eight of her siblings, and her closest friend Corrie Bruijnse (“Corrie B”), who passed away on August 9, 2018.

Corrie was born in Amsterdam to Johannes Heijke and Johanna Van Berkel. She was a twin, out of two sets of twins, from a family of nine children. She told many stories from her childhood about the hunger years during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands in World War II. The experience helped shape her into the resilient and independent woman she became.

Corrie's father, a tailor, worked from their home to provide for his large family, with the dining room table serving as his workspace. As food became scarce and life in the city grew more perilous, she was eventually sent to the countryside to live with strangers. While separated from her family, she would later reflect on this time with a sense of gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown to her.

After high school, Corrie met Corrie B, while both worked as shop girls in Amsterdam. Theirs was a friendship that would last a lifetime. On June 16, 1958, Corrie followed Corrie B's move and immigrated to Canada. They worked at odd jobs before quickly moving on to pursue successful corporate careers in the banking industry. Corrie spent 34 years at CIBC and Vancity Savings, holding positions of increasing responsibility, before retiring in 1991. She was admired and respected by her superiors, colleagues and subordinates alike.

A woman of faith, Corrie was a devout member of the Catholic Church. For over 37 years, St. Peter's Parish in New Westminster remained a focal point in her life. She and Corrie B found comfort in their shared faith and supported each other's many goals. After retirement, Corrie joined the St. Vincent De Paul Society to serve the poor. She was in charge of monthly collections and bookkeeping, but her biggest satisfaction came from preparing the annual Christmas food hampers for the needy. She would recount how many of these families would look forward all year to this special event.

Always up for new experiences, the two Corries had a cabin built at Mount Baker in Washington state, which became an established retreat for skiing, gardening and hosting family and friends for frequent weekend getaways. Both were also avid card players, and along with a close-knit group of Dutch-Canadian friends, held weekly card game nights over many years, speaking Dutch and enjoying Dutch treats. Corrie also enjoyed travels to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand and took lengthy road trips across Canada and the US.

Corrie carried herself with elegance and style. From an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for the arts, including classical music, literature, fine art paintings, and design. Curious and observant, she stayed informed about world affairs and the environment around her, and was always game for spirited conversation and debate. An endearing sense of humour did not put her above delivering punchlines as good as she got them!

Corrie had an indelible influence on everyone she came into contact with. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family, including 22 nieces and nephews who reside throughout The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Florida.

Vigil Prayers

Vigil Prayers will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Parish (330 Royal Avenue, New Westminster) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:00pm.

Funeral Mass and Reception

Funeral Mass will be live-streamed from St. Peter's Catholic Parish on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 4:00pm. To view this live stream on YouTube, click on direct link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPKb5VedAlE

A Reception will follow at 5:30pm at Angelina's Dutch Corner (810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster), to celebrate the Life of Corrie -- a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in memory of Corrie Heijke may be made towards St. Peter’s Building Fund, which Corrie was especially keen to support. Donations via eTransfer can be sent to: autodeposit.spet@rcav.org

Alternatively, an Eco-Friendly Memorial Tree may be gifted in remembrance of Corrie, via the link below. Corrie really loved a good tree!