Dear Hans,

Condolences to you & family. We have such great memories of Helen in our days together in Indonesia and how she supported and loved all of us. Never to be forgotten was both of your presence and collusion in my 50th surprise birthday party that I will never forget! Sending prayers and comfort. Wilt and Sylvia Shaw

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.

Whomever coined that wisdom could not have anticipated my Mother.

She burned brightly for over 95 years.

My mother was not a saint, but she performed at least 3 miracles I know of, and they are all here today as testament to her and my father’s love & devotion to ensure that each of us were able to grow up safe, & live full lives.

She was a special, empathetic woman who learned the importance of unconditional love, caring for each other, doing something that may benefit someone else more than it does yourself, accepting - without always necessarily understanding - which is the very definition of compassion to me. Our parents taught us that if we are fortunate enough in life, give back to the community.

She was nosey as hell, but only because she desperately wanted to participate in your life & share in your experiences, your successes, your joys. And she understood the importance of Joy, and that really rubbed off on me, and I try, like her, to spread it wherever I go. She loved fully, she laughed fully... and that smile... her smile could disarm anyone. And you see it in every photo... always a smile for the camera - so we can share it again with all of you.

She left a wake of good deeds behind her, and a reservoir of memories for us to tap into whenever we want, and I’m very grateful for that. And I’ve learned through enough loss in this life to know that this is how we keep our loved ones alive forever - in our fondest of memories.

- Mark den Boer

Hans and family, our condolences. Helen provided such a great force of energy, support, love and kindness in the early years of my life. Of course not only being great friends to Lorraine and Bill, her interest and support in my own aspirations and challenges made a positive impact on my life. We have all been blessed that Helen has been amongst us for these ninety plus years.

She lived large the gift of life.

Glenn and Janine McLeod

Dear Leny, even though you lived far away from us, the contact was always good and warm and felt close. It was always such a party when you were in Holland.

Dear Leny, we will never forget you, you are forever in our hearts.

Dear Hans, you will have a very difficult time, but know that she is in good hands in a place where things are good.

Children and (great) grandchildren know that your mother and grandmother were loved.

Good luck to everyone and our thoughts will be with you

Kind regards from Holland

Annie and Boudewijn den Boer

Lieve Leny, ook al woonden jullie ver weg van ons, het contact was altijd goed en warm en voelde als dichtbij. Wat was het altijd een feest als jullie in Holland waren.

Lieve Leny we zullen jou nooit vergeten, je zit voor altijd in ons hart.

Lieve Hans je zult het ontzettend moeilijk hebben, maar weet ze is in goede handen op een plek waar het goed is.

Kinderen en (achter) kleinkinderen weet dat jullie moeder en oma geliefd was.

Allen heel veel sterkte en wij zullen in gedachten bij jullie zijn

Lieve groeten uit Holland

Annie en Boudewijn den Boer

When my husband and I moved our family of 4 from the United States to Calgary, we thought we were the great adventurers. Then we met, at our church, the incredible den Boer family. We marveled at the story of Helen's and Hans' romance and resolve to come to Canada to live. The early years, job crises, language difficulties, distance from family, must have been so hard for the young couple. But, as friends in 1967, they brought joy and quality into our lives. We eventually returned to the US, but our friendship continued and we were able to be together a few times. We always shared news and photos of our families. When my children prepared a beautiful album for my 95th birthday, Helen and Hans contributed a lovely page. Hans, I feel your pain, but you have so much to be grateful for, and I feel sure that your memories and the love of your family will see you through the lonely years ahead. Love and peace. Wanna Hinchee

A strong memory: my niece Helen and her husband Hans visited my family in The Hague ( The Netherlands) to say goodbye  : they were leaving for Canada. Helen and Hans and my parents were close to each other. I (about 12 years old) felt so sad, Helen and Hans brought so much joy and lightness in our family during their visits and I realised myself we all would miss them very much.

In 1997 my husband and I went to Canada and visited also Helen and Hans. From that time we felt a connection with Helen and Hans and this connection deepened intensely: all  the letters we sent to each other , all their stories, information about their children and their families, their visits to us in The Netherlands. Their good sense, understanding and positive mind were so inviting. Dear Helen, and also Hans, thanks a lot for all those warm and precious memories.

Dear Hans, Claudia, Lennert and Mark, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, we wish you all strength and courage to bear the great loss of Helen.

Marijke and Ton Krijnen-van Eysbergen

Baarle-Nassau (The Netherlands)

As my wife Anne (now resting with the Lord), and myself live on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, we never got to meet Lenie in person. However, we were very good friends of her school chum Greetje van Doorn so while Greetje was incapacitated, I took up the task of writing to Lenie and we eventually became rather good penpals. It was a pleasant scenario. Hans only joined in when help was needed with the technical side, ie computer. In essence, we felt like part of a close knit family / friends group. With time, that slowly passed away especially as Greetje passed from this life in 2022.

Lenie & I remained good penpals for sometime, swapping family happenings and such like with her & Greetje, sometimes in Dutch & sometimes in English.. But time and the Good Lord catches up with all of us. My wife Anne, included. My wish is that Lenie's family & friends will enjoy the celebration of life for Lenie now, and in repeating memories as time goes by. Roger Anderson.

Sandra and I send our condolences to your entire family. My mother could never have had a better friend than Helen. She was always there for her after she lost her sight, taking her to appointments, shopping for her, cheering her up and doing more than any best friend could ever ask for. Helen was an incredible person…the world has lost a gem.

Malcolm Ribalkin Laird and Sandra Stolz

I will always remember the warmth and friendliness I would get when I was around Mrs. den Boer. She always had a smile and just made me feel welcome.

My condolences go to Claudia, Leonard, Mark and of course Mr. den Boer.

Mitch and Lynn Brown

Helen,

Choosing you as my M&P in March 2009 was one of the best decisions of my life. Your wisdom guided me through the Moors of Ministry and your kindness celebrated the joys of ministry with me. After five years of this, we decided to call that era “Done” as we had become friends. You and your family opened your hearts to me in life-changing ways. You set me on my journey of theological deconstruction and opened the way for a deeper connection with the Sacred. Watching you and my mother find a corner, tattle tale on me and share your pride stories is a snapshot tattooed on my soul. I treasure every trip we shared together, every walk, shopping spree, meal, Christmas', especially the DUTCH one in 2015, what a beautiful morning with you and Hans! On December 22nd, 2023, we kissed one another “Goodbye till next time”. Since you flew back to LOVE on January 6th, I kiss the wind every day and say, “Hello my friend” knowing now, you are always with me. Oh, you do Fly on! I love you.

Traci Hubbard

Margaret Ann and I were saddened to hear about Helena's passing.

We have many past memories we shared with her family and Hans.

Frank and Margaret Ann Halpenny

I first met Helen through her daughter (and my best friend Claudia). Helen flashed a big smile and said ‘Welcome’. Claudia talked often of her special relationship with her Mom and how her Mom was always there for her. There was a beautiful picture on Facebook from Christmas where the entire family had gathered and Helen (once again) was flashing that beautiful smile! My thoughts and prayers for the entire Den Boer clan.

With love, Michele Rondot