Corry (Cornelia) Maria van Eijk, second born child of Marie Poulisse and Jan Arie van Eijk, was born on April 25, 1934, in Rotterdam, Holland. Marie and Jan went on to have six more children, for a total of eight.
On May 10, 1940, an event occurred that was destined to bring about irrevocable change for the family and the country - the German occupation of the Netherlands. My mother was six years old then, and eleven years old at the end of the German occupation, in May 1945. The deprivation and horrors that Mom endured and witnessed as a young girl living during those five years in Rotterdam, deeply affected and colored her life. For many decades thereafter, Corry would dissolve into tears whenever reference to the war was made. Rotterdam was severely damaged during the war. It did not fully recover for several decades. The ramifications of WWII and the colossal physical damaged incurred as a result of it, was responsible for the emigration of some 500,000 Dutch citizens. Most fled to the USA, Canada and Australia, ostensibly to begin life anew. The bulk of the van Eyk family arrived in Canada in August, 1954.
Life continued to be difficult for Mom and the rest of the family. They did not speak English.They moved to Canada with nothing but a crate of personal belongings, little money, no social infrastructure in place and seemingly few prospects in sight. Fortunately, Mom had unbridled energy and a determination to not only make a good life for herself in Canada, but to excel in everything she did. Mom married Alfred Walter Malin, a good man who proved to be the love of her life. Together they worked and created an enviable existence. Theirs was a true love story that fulfilled the traditional marriage vow of "Until death do us part".
Mom was a self-taught "Renaissance" woman, worthy of "Superwoman" status before the term became commonplace. The list of her accomplishments was daunting and her indomitable spirit encouraged her family and friends to persevere in the face of many struggles. Corry could do anything, yet remained modest and humble throughout her life. Her family, however, was extremely proud of Mom and of her endless accomplishments. We were her biggest cheerleaders. Corry's list of talents included home construction, home design and decoration, award-winning gardening, cooking, needlepoint, crewel, beading, award-winning floral design and arranging, general crafts, baking and on and on. Her skills as a seamstress were legendary. She designed and made her own clothes and mine for many years. She sewed without a pattern and created pillows, drapes, curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads and comforters. She could upholster furniture. Mom's artistry was evident in everything she touched. Oma, Mom's Mom, proudly proclaimed to everyone who would listen, that her daughter had 'golden hands'. And so she did. Mom was also a professional woman. Through her own initiative and hard work, she become one of Canada's first female computer programmers and enjoyed a full and well-respected career working for the Pulp and Paper Institute of Canada.
Mom's very favorite things in life were pussycats, nature, singing, dancing and family. She was an honorable woman. The door to her castle always stood open for family in need. She expected nothing from anyone but always gave. Her generosity was as wide as her smile. She was a beautiful asset to the world - in every way.
The last fifteen years of Corry's life were arduous and, at times, terrifying. Corry and her husband and daughter met the new challenge that was dementia head-on. The years proved to be a learning experience for us that was unparalleled in its nature. Mom fought the brave fight every way she could. Upon learning that extreme exercise could possibly have a beneficial effect on the disease, Mom achieved a new milestone. At the ages of 73 and 74, she medalled in the BC Senior Olympics, taking the bronze for the 100 yard dash. She learned to play the keyboard and knew the lyrics to more than 200 hundred songs. Together Corry, Alf, Mieke and Larry sang karaoke, attended chapel services, took long walks through beautiful parks and spent many, many good times together. Throughout the disease Corry was well-cared for and loved.
The Malin family would like to extend their profound appreciation to the staff at the Menno Home in Abbotsford, BC. The excellent care afforded Corry by the more than twenty people who became our friends and family during the 7+ years of her residence was gratefully received. Until the day Mom could no longer speak, she said "please and thank-you". That's who she was.
I would like to extend our deep gratitude to Pastor Ingrid and her formidable staff for the inexplicably heart-wrenching and deeply caring treatment we received during the last days of Mom's life. A ten day vigil was held. Mom was never alone during this time. Prayers were said, celestial music was played, hymns were sung, bible passages were read. Mom was so cherished and so very loved. I need to thank Ruth for her beautiful private violin concert. Those ten days were unlike any other and very precious. People like you are rare and extraordinary and we give you our eternal thanks.
Everyday for the rest of our lives, we will think of Corry. Let us remember her as someone who loved life wholeheartedly and who treasured her family. Think of Mom when you gaze upon the beauty of a flower or the gentle sweetness of a kitten. Let us not be forever sad or regretful, for the happier we are, the more we will honor Corry's existence. Let us cling to the good times and the happy memories and occasions.
Corry leaves to mourn her devoted husband of more than sixty years, Alfred Walter Malin, and her adoring daughter, Mieke C. Malin-Bleitz (Lawrence). Alfred faithfully visited Corry nearly everyday of her seven year residence at the Menno Home and was a remarkable, dedicated and loving husband.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Marie van Eyk; sister Astrid Bukovsky-van Eyk; nephew Paul van Eyk; and niece Debbie deBack. Corry is survived by her brothers, Cornel, John, Wim and Bart van Eyk; and sisters, Marie deBack and Wilma Wright. She leaves behind nieces and nephews in Canada, the USA, the Czech Republic and Holland; as well as step granddaughter, Karen Spooner, in Great Britain.
A vigil, funeral and memorial service have been held. Mom's final resting place will be alongside her beloved sister Astrid and her parents, Jan and Maria. A graveside service and interment will take place at 2:30 pm, April 25th, 2019, at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Cemetery in Pointe Claire, Quebec; Canada. This day would be Corry's 85th birthday.
Afterward a reception will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 52 Rue Joseph Paiement, Dollard-des-Ormeaux; QC. All are welcome.
