Bernice Boven

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Bernice Boven (nee Havinga)

On March 12, 2024, Bernice Boven was taken to her eternal home to be forever in the presence of Jesus, her Saviour and Lord.

She was predeceased by Fred Boven, her loving husband for 67 years, and by grandson, Joel Wilson.  She leaves behind children Fred (Ruth), Ray (Shirley), Theresa (Paul Wilson) and Theo (Tena), grandchildren Matthew, Philip, Daniel, Alaina, Leanne, Julia, Michael, Gregory, Eric, Ian, Benjamin, Helen, Alison, 34 great-grandchildren, and 4 sisters Auke, Trynet, Marry and Tineke.

Bernice was born 1930 in Winschoten, Netherlands, and grew up there in a large Christian family.  While growing up, Bernice and Fred attended the same church and high school, and Bernice’s older sister was friends with Fred’s sister, so they learned they shared a birthdate of March 15 (although Bernice was three years younger).   That happy coincidence led to their first date (celebrating their birthdays over a cup of coffee) when they were both attending the same college. 

After graduating from college, Bernice worked as a nurse, and she continued to date Fred.  As their relationship blossomed, they decided they wanted to marry and immigrate to Canada, the land of opportunity. However, Bernice’s father was not keen to have his daughter just sail away across the ocean to some distant land, so he insisted that Fred first establish himself in Canada before he could marry Bernice and take her to Canada.  Travelling by himself, Fred arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax in 1952, and took the train to Toronto eventually finding steady employment at Canada Packers.

In 1953, Fred returned to marry Bernice on July 7, 1953, and within a few days they were on a ship back to Toronto to start a new life together. And what a life of blessing they had while raising four children and numerous foster children.  After the four children were grown, Bernice worked full time as an administrative assistant at Humber College for many years, retiring soon after Fred retired in 1987.   During her first retirement years, Bernice volunteered in several capacities and clearly enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

In 2003, Bernice and Fred moved to Holland Christian Homes in Brampton.  Once again, Bernice gladly gave of her time and energy to help and minister to others, particularly at the Grace Manor nursing home, where she herself moved into in May 2023.

By her family and others that knew her well, Bernice will be fondly remembered as a “happy Christian” who lived a life characterized by thankfulness and faithful service. 

Internment on Tuesday March 19 (family only) followed by a “Celebration of Life” service at 2:00 pm at Heritage Christian Reformed Church located within Holland Christian Homes, 7900 McLaughlin Road South, Brampton, Ontario.

Memorial donations can be made to The Lighthouse 1008 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G7. http://lighthousecentre.ca/contact-us/