Willemine Hendrika Jantina (Winny) Vriend
Born in Krommenie, the Netherlands on July 7, 1937, Winny passed from life to Life on August 16, 2024 in Barrhead, Alberta.
Winny was the third of seven children born to Hendrikus and Wilhelmina (Pim) VanAndel. Her family experienced the German occupation of Holland first hand during WWII as they lived in the City of Arnhem at the time of the Battle of Arnhem in September, 1944. In 1954, they immigrated to Canada, settling in New Westminster, British Columbia. Winny attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the age of 19. During her time there, she met Cornelius (Neil) Vriend, and they married in 1959. Together, they had six children.
Neil and Winny’s pastoral ministry took them to various places, including Grand Rapids, Michigan; Emo, Ontario; Hamilton, Ontario; Lacombe, Alberta; and finally, Neerlandia, Alberta, where they settled in 1974, pastoring there and in the Barrhead Christian Reformed Church.
Winny is a beloved child of God. As a wife and mother, she put her husband’s and children’s needs before her own. Winny had a gift for music and spent many years leading youth and senior choirs. She played an important role in the music ministry at each church they pastored. Winny was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, devoting much of her time and energy to providing support and creating opportunities for them. Winny retired in January, 1998 from her job as Executive Director of Blue Heron Support Services, Barrhead after working there for 10 years. She was a good friend and welcoming host, always making time for people. Winny was creative and precise in everything she tackled. She designed and sewed beautiful quilts for people she loved, appreciating the opportunity to reflect on them while she worked.
Winny was predeceased by her parents, siblings Fred, Janet, Morris, and Benita, son-in-law Raymond Deblois and grand-daughter Tia. She is survived by her husband Neil, her brother Henk, her sister Alice, her children Anita (Gary) Veldhuisen, Janice (Garry) Wierenga, Christine Vriend (Rocky Lattery), Mark (Janet) Vriend, Steve (Irene) Vriend, Derek (Danielle) Vriend, 18 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren.
To honor Winny’s life, funeral services will be held at Neerlandia Christian Reformed Church at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
