In Loving Memory of Johanna Clara Maria Cook

November 14, 1936 – September 25, 2025

Johanna Clara Maria Cook passed away suddenly but peacefully at Nanaimo General Hospital on September 25, 2025, at the age of 88, with her loving family by her side.

Born in De Beemster, Noord-Holland, Netherlands, Johanna was the daughter of Maria Petronella van Toor of Purmerend and Johannes Cornelis van Baarsen of De Beemster. She was one of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the warmth of a large and loving family.

Johanna married Jan Kok on April 8, 1961, in Purmerend, Netherlands. In 1969, Jan encouraged his devoted wife to immigrate to Canada with their three young children—Jack, Anita, and Margo—where they began a new chapter of life in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1970, their youngest daughter, Simone, was born. Three years later, in 1973, the family proudly became Canadian citizens and officially adopted the Cook family name.

Throughout their years in Winnipeg, Johanna balanced family life, home, and career. She expressed her talents while working in the cosmetics department at Eaton's department store and effortlessly balanced her work and family life with grace and devotion. In 1990, John and Johanna embarked on one final move—across the country to beautiful Vancouver Island. There, they built a welcoming home on Johnstone Road in French Creek. Johanna resumed her career at Eaton's Nanaimo location, where she remained until her retirement. She was admired by colleagues and customers alike for her elegance, warmth, dedication, and ever-present smile.

Johanna lived a full and active life. She was a mother at heart, finding her greatest joy in the company of her children and grandchildren. She was an avid walker who loved gardening, preparing family meals, knitting, and expressing her creativity through home décor and design. Her deep love for family, combined with her remarkable attention to detail, shone through in everything she did.

Rooted in her Roman Catholic faith, Johanna lived a life guided by devotion and gratitude. Throughout the years, she faithfully attended Sunday Mass, and in her later life became an active member of The Church of the Ascension in French Creek, where she volunteered and contributed generously to the parish community. When health challenges prevented her from attending in person, Johanna continued to participate spiritually by watching weekly Mass online with Gary Bishop and receiving Holy Communion from dedicated parish members.

Johanna's memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her—especially her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren, who miss her deeply.

Johanna is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, John Cook; her son, Jack Cook; daughters, Anita Cook, Margo Cook, and Simone Cook; son-in-law, Dean Trethewey; and her cherished grandchildren, Jocelyn Cook, Sabrina Trethewey, Juliana Cook, and Hayden Trethewey.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us."

— Helen Keller

Funeral and Celebration of Life

Funeral Mass

Church of the Ascension (Roman Catholic)

887 Wembley Road, Parksville, BC

Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM

Celebration of Life

Following the service, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Baker Properties Clubhouse

240 Stanford Avenue East, Parksville, BC