Wilhelmina (Miep) Verhoeven
October 19, 1931 – April 4, 2024
Wilhelmina (Miep) Verhoeven (nee Bruinooge) passed away peacefully at home in Portage la Prairie, MB on April 4, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Miep will be lovingly remembered by her children, Suzanne (Allen) Rutledge of Morden, MB and Henry (Stephanie) Verhoeven of Portage la Prairie, MB. Miep was a special Oma to her grandchildren Scott, Bryan (Jami), Nicole, Shaelyn and Jared and her great grandchildren Cohen, Silas, Cruz, Porter and Harlan. Miep is also survived by her brothers Foort (Ria), Johan (Joyce), Casey (Susan), Bill, and Nick (Hilda), and many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Henk, parents Nicholaas and Suzanna Bruinooge, her siblings Daan, Jan, Jannet, and Henry and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in both Canada and The Netherlands.
Miep was born October 19, 1931, in Wemeldinge, The Netherlands. She was the second oldest of 10 children – 8 boys and 2 girls. The Bruinooge family emigrated to Canada in 1951, settling in the High Bluff district. Miep’s sweetheart Henk Verhoeven followed them to Canada shortly after. Henk and Miep were married in 1952. They lived on Island Park, and in 1955 moved to the Flee Island district, raising their children, and enjoying country life. Miep worked at the Holiday Retreat from 1971 – 1987 when she retired.
Miep remained on the farm after Henk died in 1997. Tending to her yard and garden brought her much joy well into her eighties. She enjoyed going on crop tours and combine rides with Henry. She always wanted a crop update during seeding and harvest. She really was a farm girl at heart. Those who only ever saw her in town may be surprised, as she always dressed nicely, had her hair done and jewelry on when she went to town for shopping, church events, or other activities. Miep moved off the farm and into an apartment in Portage in 2018. It was hard to leave the farm, but over time, Miep came to love her new home with its beautiful view of Crescent Lake. She was always happy to have friends and family stop by to visit, and would serve her homemade cookies, pies or famous apple crisp.
Miep was a member of her beloved First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years and also a member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS), Ladies’ Guild, and the Dale Community Club. One of the ways she lived her faith was in volunteering with Portage Soup Kitchen and Portage Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She grew up singing hymns every Sunday afternoon. This past few weeks, family had the privilege of singing for her many times at her request.
As a child and teen, Miep loved gymnastics. In her adult life, she enjoyed being part of a weekly bowling league. Later in life, she continued being active with walks along the lake and riding her exercise bike. She also developed a habit of doing word-search and jigsaw puzzles. Miep loved day trips, especially the Canada Day tradition with Suzanne and Nicole. She liked playing mini-golf and a soft ice-cream cone was a favourite treat. Miep enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and attending their concerts and recitals, or having the kids play their instruments for her when she came to visit. Over the years she travelled to many places with different family members, including St. Vincent, California, Florida, Bahamas, Jamaica, various places across Canada, and The Netherlands. Many adventures and laughs were shared during these trips, and the family cherishes these memories.
The family would like to thank all the people who helped our mom and Oma during her recent illness. Special thanks to Dr. Lewis who held a special place in Miep’s heart; our amazing palliative care nurse Marni; the kind and compassionate home care nurses and attendants who came the last few weeks; neighbours, friends and family who helped in a variety of ways, including the kind people in her apartment building.
Miep taught her family the value of hard work, but also to take breaks and make time for play and fun. Most significantly, she taught us the lessons of faith: to pray, read from the Bible and always trust in God.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 17 Royal Road S. in Portage la Prairie, MB. A reception will be held in the church hall following the service. Private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery where she will be buried next to Henk, her husband of 44 years.
Donations in memory of Miep Verhoeven may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 17 Royal Road S. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8 or to First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen, 17 Royal Road S. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8 or to Sunset Palliative Care 40 Royal Rd N, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com