Family and friends
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Join MemoriesCristal Alderliesten Jannie was born in The Netherlands during the last winter of World War II. She is the oldest of four siblings.
Cristal Alderliesten Jannie met Hans while on vacation in Canada. The rest, as they say, is history.
Cristal Alderliesten Hans and Jannie were married for 46 years.
Cristal Alderliesten Hans and Jannie had two boys. Both John and Gerry tell stories of a happy childhood and a loving home.
Cristal Alderliesten When the boys were young, the family made regular visits to Holland.
Cristal Alderliesten Camping!
Cristal Alderliesten Gerry and Cristal's wedding.
Cristal Alderliesten Hans passed away in June 2018 after his own three-year battle with cancer. In this picture, Jannie is holding condolence flowers from her family in Holland.
Cristal Alderliesten Jannie was the very best Oma that Sadie could have wished for. They spent quite a bit of time together over the last two years, and it was a joy to watch this beautiful relationship. Sadie learned to sew, knit, and cross stitch from Oma, so I'm sure we'll always think of her when Sadie uses these skills.
Cristal Alderliesten Jannie passed away at 1:45 on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31, 2020. She was at her home, with John, Gerry and Cristal by her side. Corrie arrived soon after. We are thankful that she felt no pain and that her sons were with her to the end. She leaves a large hole in our lives. We are only beginning to realize how much we will miss her gentle, steady presence. We take great comfort in knowing that Jannie is with her Saviour, far beyond the reach of suffering.
BURIAL SERVICE Introductory Tribute by Gerry Isaiah 40:28-31 read by John Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired ...
Cristal Alderliesten We buried Jannie on Friday, April 3. The graveside service was small (due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions) but meaningful. John and Gerry each shared memories and thoughts. Corrie read Psalm 121, which Jannie had requested read at Han's graveside two years ago. Other scriptures read included Psalm 23, Isaiah 41, the Beatitudes, and the Lord's Prayer.
Welcome. We invite Jannie's friends and family to contribute memories, tributes, photos, or words of condolence to this page. Start by clicking "add a memory." While online sharing will never replace physically gathering to celebrate Jannie's life, it's the best that we can do in the midst of a pandemic. Please join us in remembering and honour...
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We didn’t know her well, but she was a lovely person to visit and chat with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wes & Shelley
Dearest Jannie! You were always such a pleasant welcoming sister in law to my family. Anytime we came over we were greeted at the steps of your home and when we left you wouls stand on the same steps and wave until our car disappeared. We never left hungry by any means! We know you are now reunited with Hans and Jesus!! We love you and will meet a...
So sad that you have left this earth Jannie, but it is nice to know you will greet each of us when we cross over to join you.
Dear Alderliesten family, I was very sad to read of Jannie’s passing (I wasn’t aware that she wasn’t well). Both she and Hans were great supporters and customers at my music shop and we enjoyed many happy hours together through music. My deepest condolences to you all.
Extending my deepest heartfelt condolences to John, Cory, Gerry, Cristal and families. I have fond memories of my time spent with my Aunty Jannie, Uncle Hans and cousins. I will always remember her kind and gentle ways and I’m truly sorry to hear of her passing.
Hello!! I was very saddened to see the passing of Hans's wife Jannie. I only met Jannie once but knew Hans for a long time, lived in the same location in 1969, worked with him at Dockyard (69-72) and knew him with his volunteer work at the Bible store. I gave Hans a lot of my electronics equipment for his use when I gave up electronics for reti...
Dear John (Corrie), Gary (Crystal), family here and in Holland, so sorry for your loss. I had no sisters, your mother was a sister to me, I remember when she discovered quilting, the first time I showed her a cushion I made, that was the beginning of making quilts. I will miss my sister. Love you all.
ANDY ALDERLIESTEN I spent many weekends and summer days with Jannie and Hans in early seventies.So many good memories.I still want to pick up phone but suddenly realize they have left us to soon.Those we love don't go away,they walk beside us every day.Unseen,unheard but always near,still loved,still missed and very dear.
Jannie and I met about 30 years ago in the weekly quilting group I joined when moving to Colwood. It was clear she was a dedicated and faithful member who made beautiful quilts but also an accomplished knitter and embroiderer. Her work was always immaculate and when she made something for her family, she sewed or knitted her love for them right in...
Dear John and Corrie, Gerry and Cristal and families, It is with great sadness that I learned of your mother's imminent death. I spent many happy hours in your parents' home on Happy Valley Road, enjoying your mother's hospitality and having great talks around the fireplace with both your mother and father. In fact, our entire family, Neil and I ...
Jannie was one of my mom’s best friends when I was little - I remember how welcoming she was to us girls. She always enquired about our hobbies and sports, and always had the most delicious food! Her quilting to me was amazing, these large pieces stretched out to admire, such precision and creativity. Her smile was shy, and her laugh infectious.
Everyone should have a friend like Jannie. I enjoyed nothing better than biking to her house on Happy Valley Road, where I was treated to her home-made “gevulde koeken” and a great cup of coffee. She filled the hole for me that was called “Holland”, and she could do that because we grew up within 20 kilometers of each other. It helped that we ...
I can still see her beautiful smile. She was a very kind and gentle person who made others feel at ease. Growing up you always felt very welcome in her house and I remember we celebrated my mom’s 40th birthday there. It was a house filled with the result of many interesting hobbies of both Jannie and Hans: beautiful quilts, an organ, and train set ...