Cornelia (Corrie) Paulina Maria Heijke

It is with profound sadness, yet with much love that we announce the passing of Cornelia (Corrie) Heijke, who 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 Amsterdam in World War II. The experience helped shape her into the resilient and independent woman she became.

Corrie's father, a tailor, worked from 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 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. In 1958, Corrie followed Corrie B's move and immigrated to Canada. They both worked at odd jobs before moving on quickly to pursue corporate careers. Corrie worked at CIBC and later, at Vancity Savings, retiring in 1991 after 34 years in the banking industry.

A woman of deep faith, Corrie was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. For over 37 years, St. Peter's Parish in New Westminster stayed a focal point in her life. She and Corrie B both found comfort in their shared faith and supported each other's many goals.

A cabin retreat built at Mount Baker became a place for many weekend getaways, hosting family and friends, skiing and gardening. Both were avid card players, as they held weekly game nights over many years with a tight-knit group of Dutch-Canadian friends. They also enjoyed travels to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand and took long road trips across Canada and the US.

Corrie carried herself with elegance and style, and from an early age developed a deep appreciation and taste for the fine arts, including classical music, literature, art and design. Curious and observant, she stayed informed about world affairs and was always game for a spirited discussion. She also had a wonderful sense of humour and was not above delivering punchlines as good as she got them.

She is greatly missed by her many friends and family, including 22 nieces and nephews who reside in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Florida.

Evening Prayers, Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life Reception

Evening Prayers will be held at St. Peter's Parish on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:00pm

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Parish (330 Royal Avenue, New Westminster) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 4:00pm. A Reception celebrating Corrie's life will follow (please contact the church at 604-522-4611)..

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in memory of Corrie Heijke may be made to St. Peter’s Parish in New Westminster. Corrie was especially interested in supporting St. Peter’s Building Fund. Donations may be made via eTransfer to: autodeposit.spet@rcav.org