Obituary of Yvonne Charlotte Bouma-Douque

Yvonne Charlotte Bouma-DouquÚ passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at the Rocky View Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with MS, just days shy of her 65th birthday. Yvonne was born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on March 13, 1941. She became a registered nurse, and after nursing for five years, she married her husband of forty years, Gerard Bouma, in December 1965. They immigrated to Edmonton, AB in January 1966. Shortly thereafter they moved to Calgary, AB, and then onto an acreage in the Alberta Foothills where she raised her three children and was surrounded by her numerous pets and farm animals. Yvonne’s great love of animals, and especially dogs, was an outlet for her nurturing, calm and caring nature. She also loved her plants and flowers and could make even the scrawniest plant flower. Yvonne’s battle with MS began in 1992, and through the years, she demonstrated strength, determination and dignity that were a constant source of inspiration and respect for those that knew her. Even to the end, she wanted to put others’ needs and wants before her own. Yvonne is survived by her husband, Gerard Bouma; her sons Mat (Tamara), and Gerard (Claudia); her daughter Helene Drummond (Troy); her four grandchildren, Bram, Ari, Elian, and Adriana. She is also survived by three of her four sisters, Ted, Henriette, and Marijke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, most of which are still in Holland. Yvonne was predeceased by her father, mother, stepmother, and sister Irene. A Celebration of Yvonne’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB) on Friday, March 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cochrane Humane Society (S.P.C.A.), 305, Bow Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2B9 Telephone: (403) 932-2072. The family wishes to thank all those that have helped care for Yvonne in the past years, and a special thank you to the “4 Dutch Ladies” for all they have done. In living memory of Yvonne Bouma-DouquÚ, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.