Clazina Knaapen 1930-2023

Clazina Knaapen (Née Djikhuizen)

1930-2023

We announce with great sadness that Clazina (Silvia) Knaapen passed away peacefully with her daughter and son by her side on Monday, August 21, 2023 in Laval, Quebec, at the age of 93 years.

Born February 12, 1930 in the Scheveningen district of the Hague, Netherlands, Silvia was swept off her feet by the love of her life, Egbertus Marinus Knaapen (Bep) whom she met in the bleak days following World War II. Married in 1949, they immigrated to Montreal in 1958 seeking opportunity for their young family and eager to explore their newly adopted country.

Throughout her long and rewarding life, Silvia’s genuine warmth and friendliness put everyone at ease. All who knew her described Silvia as caring and kind, with a dash of fun and she lit up a room with her spirit. She was endlessly generous with her time and energy in creating warm and welcoming environments, and loved to prepare meals for her family over the many years, gathering us together around the kitchen table where she shared stories with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The remarkable matriarch of our family, Silvia was an optimist who successfully faced many life-shaping experiences -- from marching village-to-village through ice and bitter temperatures during the infamous Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944-45, to sailing across the Atlantic towards an uncertain future, purchasing her first home and proudly nurturing a strong family.

Silvia worked for many years as a senior accountant at Ayerst McKenna Pharmaceuticals and took early retirement in 1990. Ever restless, she embarked on new adventures and earned her license “La Guilde des Animateurs Professionnels de Dance en Ligne du Quebec” in 1996, allowing her to joyfully teach beginner and advanced line dancing to hundreds of seniors in Saint-Laurent, Cartierville and Chomedey – whilst juggling her duties as the dedicated, longtime President of her condominium where she helped to establish a safe and friendly community.

The only daughter of the late Johannes Dijkhuizen and Jacoba Koning, Silvia was tragically predeceased by her beloved Bep in 1975, and by her two oldest sons, Egbertus Simon Arnoldus (Bert) in 2018 and by Robert in 2022.

Silvia leaves behind family and friends across Canada and the Netherlands – and in the United States and Australia -- including her third son Leonard (Carole) and her only daughter and best friend Jacoba (Stephan); Rebecca Davis (Bert’s spouse) and Judy Booker (Robert’s spouse); grandchildren Sandra (Troy); Todd (Kristin); Zara (Skyler); Alexa (Brandon); Deidra; Marissa (Dan); Monica-Clazina; Maximilian; and Nicolas; by 10 great-grandchildren; as well as by her brothers Ton (Marja) and Cees (Heleen) in the Hague, and her extended family in the Netherlands.

Silvia was devoted to her family and they brought her the greatest happiness. Silvia has left a beautiful legacy of love, kindness and caring and we shall all miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Hopital Cité de la Santé in Laval for their compassionate care.

If you wish to honour Silvia, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders MSF or to the Quebec Lung Association.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday October 11, 2023 @ 13h00.

Followed by a Reception between 14h00 - 16h00.

Yves Legare Funeral Complex located at 1350 Highway 13, Laval, QC, H7X 3W9.

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Les condoléances à la famille

Dear Leo, Words fail to express our deep sorrow for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family and we wish you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Please accept our warmest condolences.

Catherine Deschênes a., 19 septembre 2023

Gecondoleerd voor jullie allemaal. Wat zal ze gemist worden. Hier in Nederland wordt ze ook erg gemist. Ik heb al de kaarten nog die ik ieder jaar van haar kreeg met mijn verjaardag en kerst. Ze dacht er echt altijd aan. Ze was een pittige maar ook een hele gezellige tante. Ze was dol op Scheveningen en haalde altijd mooie herinneringen op als ze hier was. Ook kon ze goed discussiëren over o.a. politiek met haar broers vooral met mijn vader Ton. Die twee waren aan elkaar gewaagd. Ik ga haar missen. Jammer dat ik haar de laatste jaren niet meer heb gezien. Gelukkig heb ik nog foto’s zodat ik aan haar kan blijven denken. Heel veel sterkte gewenst de komende tijd. R.I.P tante Sil 💫🤍

Esther O., 7 septembre 2023

Jacoba and family, Please accept heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. Everything you've said and written about your mother paints a picture of an extraordinary human with whom you had an incredible relationship. With love,

Scott D., 6 septembre 2023

Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Your mother was a remarkable woman, and her love and guidance have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on your lives and on the lives of all who knew her. We, your extended family, are here to support you in any way we can. May you find strength in your cherished memories. I am truly sorry for your loss. xo Sarah Jarvis

Sarah J., 5 septembre 2023

My condolences. We do not know each other, but the Dutch name caught my attention, and then Scheveningen. I am from Den Haag and I am 1 month older, born 10 December 1929 in the Dutch East Indies. Willem Verwoerdt

Willem V., 4 septembre 2023

Hallo Cora en familie, Via deze weg alsnog gecondoleerd met het overlijden van je moeder (tante Syl). Het was een moedig besluit van haar om zelf te kiezen wanneer je wilt overlijden. Net als mijn vader dat heeft gedaan een aantal jaren terug. Wij houden fijne herinneringen over aan je moeder en ook dat zij in Scheveningen op bezoek was. Wij werden altijd op de hoogte gehouden door mijn vader en later via Marleen. Heel veel sterkte toegewenst voor jou en je gezin, Leo en familie en de andere familieleden. Lieve groeten, Petra en Jan

Petra en Jan K., 4 septembre 2023

Dear Cora, Leo, Steph, Leo, wives of Bert, Rob and Leo, grand- and great-grandchildren of my dear aunt Syl My condoleances on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother! My last memories of het were from years ago when she spend a day with me in Haarlem. It was such a fun day and we had such a lovely chat.. In the evening I brought het back to Scheveningen. My very first memories were of cource when aunt Syl and uncle Bert lives with the boys in The Hague and we visit each other back and forth. And of course the stories of my parents who maintained contact with Canada. A written card between aunt Syl and me every year around Christmas. Dear all, you wil of course miss her terrible, but keep talking about her with a smile and a tear. Cherish the beautifull memoriesof that sweet strong indeoendent mother and grandmother! Kind regards Berthie

Berthie K., 4 septembre 2023

Dear Leo and Carol, My deepest sympathy to all of you, May you find comfort in the memories of joy and love your mom always projected! You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love B

Bianca R., 31 août 2023

Dear family, My deepest condolences for all of you. She was a great and powerful lady and I understand you are all so proud of her. But off course you will miss her, your mom & grandma. 93 year .. wowww.. what a age .. and still so strong. I’m really grateful that I visited her in her house a few years ago. A house with so many dutch items and paintings of my dutch grandpa Leen… lovely to see. A have great memories every time aunt Sil was in the Netherlands. I kept all the cards (bday & Christmas) i received in all the years from Sil. I m going to miss her! Wish you all love & strength ❤️ Xx deborah

deborah O., 29 août 2023

I had the honour of meeting Sylvie 5 years ago when I moved in the condo building facing hers and we became very good friends. Sylvie had the most wonderful garden with an array of plants and flowers that adorned her patio. Over time I realized how blessed I was to have met her.. She was a vivacious woman who wasn't afraid to express her opinion! We had many nights of laughter together and over time I got to meet her son Leo , her daughter Jacoba and her husband Stephan. I am very happy to have been a small part of their family.Dear Sylvie you will truly be missed, Your friend always.

Armen C., 29 août 2023

Dear Family, My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I am sad to not have had the chance to meet this wonderful woman that my parents always spoke of with such love and warmth. Wishing you strength and peace in the time ahead. With love, Laura Kratz (daughter of Paul and Mieke)

Laura K., 28 août 2023

Zoveel mooie herinneringen van tante Syl zowel in Den Haag als in Scheveningen. Samen op de foto voor een draaiorgel, feestje van pa en ma (12.5 jaar getrouwd), was een verrassing, toen lady Di ongeluk had gehad, was tante Syl bij ons, die dingen blijven je allemaal bij. Ik heb tante Syl nog aan de telefoon gehad in 2005 en dat was een surprise hoor, ze belde toen voor mijn verjaardag. Ik wens jullie allemaal heel veel sterkte, ik denk aan jullie. Rust zacht tante Syl en bedankt voor alle kaarten die ik kreeg met kerst en verjaardag, ik heb ze allemaal bewaard...xx

Louise O., 28 août 2023

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Paula D., 27 août 2023

It’s not easy losing a so important member of the family, moreover when we love that person. I wish to send my condolences to everyone affected by this loss. I never met Oma, but always heard of her as she was omnipresent in the life of Monica knaapen, my friend. It tears me to see Monica this sad, and I suppose the rest of the family too. Her soul is with the father now, and by God’s grace reunion with her will be made possible by our father in heaven. Stay strong, and remember the best is yet to come

Clive N., 27 août 2023

Dear Jacoba, Thinking about you! I know this has been a long and difficult path to walk. Happy to offer coffee and a listening ear any time. Best, Heather

Heather Y., 27 août 2023

It’s not easy losing a so important member of the family, moreover when we love that person. I wish to send my condolences to everyone affected by this loss. I never met Oma, but always heard of her as she was omnipresent in the life of Monica knaapen, my friend. It tears me to see Monica this sad, and I suppose the rest of the family too. Her soul is with the father now, and by God’s grace reunion with her will be made possible by our father in heaven. Stay strong, and remember the best is yet to come

Clive N., 27 août 2023

Love to you all - and many condolences to the loss of an amazing woman

Andrea L., 26 août 2023

Dear Jacoba and Stephan Sending our very deepest sympathies to you both and the entire family for the loss of your wonderful Mother.. with much love Jacquie, Michael, Meghan and Zoe. xoxo

Jacquie T., 26 août 2023

My condolences to the entire family. Hoping that all the good memories sustain you at this difficult time.

Michael F., 26 août 2023

My condolences to the family for the loss of Silvia. She clearly lived life well and she leaves a strong legacy.

Paul H., 26 août 2023

I will remember Sil for her smile, her laugh, her ferocious positivity and her wisdom, which always began with: " Yes, but you know, Steve, here's what it is, ok? Here's what you need to know...ok? Listen. Listen...." she would say, and I would listen because she knew I loved to listen, and I knew she was always worth listening to. Always.

Steve C., 26 août 2023

Love to you all - and many condolences to the loss of an amazing woman

Andrea L., 26 août 2023

Dear Tante Sil, it was an honor to meet you. You regularly came to Scheveningen and stayed with my parents. My father was a cousin, but also a good friend of yours. Been through a lot together and those stories were told a lot. While enjoying a drink and chatting for hours. We enjoyed the walks together with my mom on the boulevard of Scheveningen. Our bond has strengthened by calling regularly in recent years. I loved it to have such a good contact with you. You were always honest and direct and fun to talk to. Love from me and I will miss you XX We wish the family lots of strength and lots of love together. Lieve Tante Sil, Ik vond het heel fijn om u gekend te hebben. U kwam regelmatig naar Scheveningen en verbleef dan bij mijn ouders. Mijn vader was een neef maar ook een goede vriend van u. Jullie hebben veel meegemaakt samen en deze verhalen werden vaak verteld tijdens een borrel en uren kletsen. We hielden ervan om samen met mijn moeder over de boulevard van Scheveningen te lopen. Onze band werd sterker de laatste jaren door elkaar regelmatig te bellen. Ik vond dit goede contact samen heel fijn. Je was altijd eerlijk en direct en we hadden ook veel plezier. Veel liefs van Okezie en van mij en we gaan u missen. Ook Okezie heeft u leren kennen en hij is daar heel blij om. Jullie hadden een goede band en begrepen elkaar goed. Dag Tante Sil, XXX Wij wensen de familie veel sterkte en liefde samen.

Marleen K., 26 août 2023

Beloved Cora I loved your mother and send you my deepest sympathy. Her life reads like a novel and I know your brought her great pride. I am glad your mother was in my world and that you still are. Gaets

Gaëtan C., 26 août 2023

Leo en Cora sterkte voor nu en de komende tijd Cees en Heleen

Cees en Heleen O., 26 août 2023

Being a best friend of Monica and having had the chance to meet this wonderful family, it is with great sadness that I want to express my condolences to you. All my thoughts are with you. I wish you all the comfort, support, courage and kindness you deserve in this difficult time.

Tamara C., 26 août 2023

Lieve tante Syl, u bent nu op een betere plek. Altijd in mijn hart met uw wijsheden. Dank voor alle prachtige momenten in Nederland als u hier was. Dank voor alle kaarten. Dag mooie, lieve tante Syl❤️ all my love Mona

Jacoba Mona O., 26 août 2023

Lieve familie,wat een groot gemis. Gelukkig hebben jullie haar heel lang bij jullie mogen hebben.anja en ik wensen jullie heel veel sterkte.

Jaap en anja K., 26 août 2023

Dear Cora. Stephan, Leo, Caroll. grandchildren and great grandchildren en other family. After i married Paul Kratz and came to visit Canada, to meet you wonderfull guys, i too met aunt Syl. What a lovely, great person she was. I am honored, that i met her and will miss her certainly. She was proud of you, her family too!!! Wish you all lots of strenght to.cope with her not be able to see her in person, only in spirit now. Where, she will .never leave. In everyones heart she will.stay. With all. my love, Mieke and Paul

Mieke K., 26 août 2023