November 04, 1925 - September 14, 2025
November 04, 1925
September 14, 2025
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
7 Entries
Peter de Jongh
January 19, 2026
I was afraid she had passed, as I couldn't reach her on her 100th birthday by phone from where I live in the Netherlands. I will treasure the memory of her and my uncle John, who was my late father's best friend.
Rachel Hughes
October 8, 2025
I have known Corrie for almost my entire life! John and Corrie were our neighbours in Victoria when my twin sister and I were young children. We spent many Christmas Days with them and I even remember sleeping over at their house when our parents went away! Later, our family moved to a different house and John and Corrie also moved just around the corner so we remained close neighbours for many years. I will remember her fondly and I send my love to her family and friends during this time.
Rik de Bondt
October 4, 2025
Unfortunately I never met my great-uncle and aunt John and Corrie. I know from my grandfather Han´s stories that they had an eventful life. After John died in 2001, Corrie sent some of John´s dearest personal belongings to his family in the Netherlands. My father Arthur passed John´s old mechanical watch on to me around when I turned 20. I have worn it almost every day since then, so that I am often reminded of my great-uncle and aunt. May they rest in peace. Best wishes to everyone who knew and loved John and Corrie.
Rik de Bondt
Magdalena, Kim, Leonora, & Spencer
October 3, 2025
As neighbors of Corrie, we were saddened to hear of her passing. She was always so very gracious in inviting us into her home when we stopped by on a walk. There were treats for our kids, stories about some of the belongings that adorned her home, and pleasant chats about most things; and often she had a few words to say about our two cats, who seemed to love to cruise by her home on the hill. Not so many months ago, she left us a detailed voicemail, letting us know that she was concerned that one of our cats looked "a little thin"-and she was right!
We will miss her greatly, and the neighborhood won´t quite be the same without her.
From Magdalena, Kim, Leonora, & Spencer . . . as well our two wandering cats, Luna and Smoky
Arthur Leonard de Bondt
September 30, 2025
Dear Aunt Corry, we are saddened by your sudden passing from the Netherlands. My father, Han (John's younger brother), heard of your death after calling the local police, desperately trying to find out you hadn't answered the phone for days! The Saanich police took it very seriously and with great personal attention, and the next day they fully informed my father of your whereabouts! It turned out you had been admitted to a hospital and eventually passed away peacefully. You had told us earlier during phone calls that you were looking forward to your 100th birthday because, as a Canadian, you would receive a personal letter from "Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth." You were so looking forward to it, but unfortunately, you missed out on that incredible 100-year milestone and the royal letter.
What you did achieve, and what you could look back on with pride and infinite love, was the wonderful life you shared with Jan.
As a young descendant of the de Bondt family, I received a copy of Jan's book, "Canada on Wheels," around 1970. A Dutch translation was included on typewriter paper, so I could read it as a child. Attached to one of the pages with a paperclip was a small sketch of a woodpecker perched on a tree branch, seen from the window, as you described in a small note. I often looked through it and later concluded that, just like Jan, I found the world of automobiles very interesting, and I've even been working in the automotive world for years!
Meanwhile, two new generations of de Bondts are here, and the youngest grandson has taken over the "descendant" flag.
This morning, I still have Curaçao newspaper articles by Jan from 1946 and 1949, which I tracked down during winter evenings. I read them again this morning with my father, Han. Naturally, my father shared anecdotes and memories about both of you. It was the era of the revival of the Dutch airline KLM, where Jan was press officer. We thoroughly enjoyed reading about those adventures together.
Well, Aunt Corry, we raise our glasses to your beautiful life together, and it's good to hear that you will now be reunited in eternity! I hope the many phone calls you had with Han and the photos of the youngest de Bondts that Bram and Erlijne regularly sent you were comforting! Rest in peace, Corry.
We extend our condolences to friends, neighbors, and acquaintances on the loss of Corry.
With love from the Netherlands!
Arthur L. de Bondt
On behalf of J.Ph. (Han) de Bondt, brother of John (Jan-Jaap) de Bondt
The Hague, Miriam C. de Bondt, Floor Swinckels
Zaltbommel, Karen C. de Bondt, Pieter Elias, Eva Choquet
Beers, Arthur L. de Bondt, Lilian de Bondt-Pieper
Eindhoven, Rik de Bondt, Yijun
Mook, Bram de Bondt and Erlijne de Bondt-Van der Linden, Coda, Helena-Emely
Miriam de Bondt
September 29, 2025
Although it is very sad to hear that Aunt Corry has passed away, I find comfort in knowing that she was able to remain in her own home until her very last day. She had been so looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday and receiving a special letter from the King of England. Sadly, she just missed that milestone.
She has always been in our thoughts here in the Netherlands, where she and her husband Jan de Bondt (deceased eldest brother of my 91 year old father) originally came from. I truly hope she rests in peace now.
With warm regards,
Miriam de Bondt
Neil and Denny Hughes and family.
September 26, 2025
Corrie was our friend for over 45 years. She came from Ottawa to Victoria and lived next door to us for many years. We shared many fun-filled, lively dinner parties together. Jon (her first husband) was an editor for the United Nations and they lived together in New York for quite some time. Corrie was born in Curacao and often regaled us with stories about her early life. She was pre-deceased by her sister Alice - who visited her in Canada. Corrie loved books and fine art. She and Jon had an incredible art collection.
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