Boukina “Irene” Werkman (nee Vanderland)
March 21, 1943 - July 1, 2024
After a brief battle with cancer, and a short hospital stay, our loving wife, mother, and Oma, Irene Werkman, was called home to be with her Lord and Saviour on July 1, 2024, at the age of 81. Upon learning of her cancer, Irene spoke of her confidence in Christ and looked forward to being called to her eternal home.
Irene was born in Marum, the Netherlands, on March 21, 1943, during World War 2. At the age of eight she emigrated with her parents, three brothers, and two sisters to Canada. After brief stays in Peace River and Mellowdale, the family settled in Edmonton. After finishing school, Irene had various jobs, several of which were in hospitals.
Irene married Jake Werkman on July 29, 1966, in Edmonton, where they began their married life together. While there, they were blessed with four children - two sons and two daughters. Jake always had a dream of farming one day, so Irene, despite being a city girl, supported Jake in this. They purchased a farm in Bloomsbury in March of 1978. This was where she lived out her life as a supportive and loving wife and mother. She came to love living on the farm. Irene enjoyed flowers, reading, and crossword puzzles. Family and faith were very important to her.
She was blessed with eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She took great delight in her grandchildren and right up until the week before her death never missed sending birthday and graduation cards.
Irene is survived by her husband, of nearly 58 years, Jake, and her four children: Carl (Michelle) - Morgan, McKenna, Hayden, Oliver; Tania DeBruin - Brandan (Kolbie) - Maven, Brinley, Rebekah (Dale) Hart, Janessa, Savannah; Ron (Jeanette) - Adam (Coby), Erin (Joshua) Leffers - Isla, Kelsey (Kenton) Slaa, Mallory, Dana, Whitney; Gwen (Trevor) Mast - Jacob, Kirkland, Jordyn, Kade; also, by her brother Jake (Kornwipa) and her sister Anna (Henry).
She is predeceased by her parents Klaas and Geertien Vanderland, as well as her sister Nellie, brothers Anco, John, and a brother Jacob, who died in infancy.
Burial took place at a private family gathering in the Neerlandia Cemetery prior to the service. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Hope Canadian Reformed Church, 3303 TWP RD 611A, County of Barrhead.
Condolences may be shared at www.westlockfuneralhome.com.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium
780-349-3474
