September 1, 1922 ~ November 27, 2012
Janna Howrie was born Janna Jansje Keizer in Bussum, the Netherlands. In 1958, she immigrated to Canada with her husband Johannes and her three sons, and settled in Edmonton, Alberta. Janna never liked the cold, and so there was no looking back when she moved to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in 1970. She spent many years as a cook at the Bayshore Inn and the Terminal City Club in Vancouver.
Janna loved nature and being active. She was also an avid and skilled knitter, and her sons were the recipients of many of her projects. Her enjoyment of music drew her to square dancing when she lived in Roberts Creek, and it was through this activity that she met the man who would become her loving companion in later life. On Valentines Day 1991, she married Robert Howrie, and eventually they moved from Sechelt to Port Stalashen. Together they spent many happy years square dancing and travelling to places such as China, Australia, South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands. They made many friends along the way, and their door was always open.
Janna was predeceased by Johannes Steenbergen; Robert Howrie; sister Sus Gouw; brother Gerrit Keizer; and grandson Shane Steenbergen.
She is survived by sister Marie (the Netherlands); brother Dik (Australia); sons Rolf (Lois) Steenbergen of Burnaby, BC, Gerrit (Merlè) Steenbergen of Lacombe, AB, and Ed Steenbergen of Gibsons, BC; grandsons Michael Steenbergen of Lund, BC, and Tey (Sascha) Steenbergen of Abbotsford, BC; one great-grandson and three great-granddaughters.
There will be no service by request. A private family memorial will be held instead.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
“One short sleep past, and we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
Death, be not proud.” — John Donne