Johanna (Ann) (Oma) Persoon passed into Our Heavenly Father’s embrace on Father’s Day, June 19, 2022.
She recently celebrated her 93rd birthday on June 10.
She will now be reunited with her loving husband of 63 years, Paul Persoon who predeceased her in 2014.
She is survived by her 9 children, Gerry (Sheila), Mary Ann (Steve) Catrina, Joyce (Gary), Jeanne, Bernadette, Leroy (Sheryl), Jim, Lori (Mark), 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Prayers and Viewing : Tuesday, June 28, 6:00 pm at Kearney Columbia-Bowell Chapel (219 6th St. New Westminster, BC)
Funeral Mass : Wednesday, June 29, 9:30 am at St. Francis de Sales Church (6610 Balmoral St, Burnaby, BC).
Reception to follow.
Interment: 1:00pm in The Gardens of Gethsemani, 15694 32Ave, Surrey, BC.
For those that wish to join the Mass virtually, please visit www.legacystreaming.com/kearney
Johanna Willibrorda Vieveen was born on June 10, 1929 in Schipluiden, Netherlands, to Cornelis and Maria Vieveen.
The family survived the occupation during World War II. Then, as a teenager Annie, as was her nickname, met a handsome young man named Paul. They were both in hospital having their tonsils out. Over the next few years Paul found many reasons to ride his bike from Hoek van Holland to Schipluiden to see her.
In 1949, Paul emigrated to Canada but kept corresponding with the love of his life. In a letter, he asked Annie to come to Canada and marry him. She arrived in New Westminster on October 16, 1951 and they were married a month later on November 17.
They built a wonderful life together raising nine children. A lot of those years were lived in Burnaby, where they became important members of St. Francis de Sales Parish. Johanna, or Ann as she was known served on the CWL for many years and later became a teacher for the Kindergarten and Pre-School. After retirement, Paul and Ann lived in New Westminster for many years.
Johanna (Oma) (Ann) (Tante Annie) was a kind, compassionate and spiritual woman loved by her family and all who met her. In recent months, she received loving care from the staff at The Madison Care Home in Coquitlam.
Johanna showed us what it is to be a true follower of Christ. Forever in our hearts and minds!