Hermina Vanderwel (née Venneman)

Hermina Vanderwel (née Venneman) passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 94.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 70 years, Benjamin; their three children, Marguerite (Brian), Désirée (Robert), and Alan James (Heather); seven grandchildren, Vanessa (Ryan), Rebecca (Dave), Veronica, Benjamin (Greer), Sarah, Samantha, and Carolyn; six great-grandchildren, Davis, Reuben, Emmeline, Owen, Charlie, and Lucy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hermina was born on April 17, 1932, in Oosterbeek, Netherlands, the youngest of three children. She grew up in Arnhem and, as a young girl during the Second World War, developed a lifelong sense of frugality.

She met her future husband, Benjamin, while they were both in the military — Hermina in the Navy and Benjamin in the Army. They were married on March 7, 1956, and soon after emigrated to Canada, settling in Edmonton with Benjamin’s sister Susan and her family.

Hermina devoted many years to raising her children, using her considerable talent as a seamstress to create both practical clothing and beautiful outfits for special occasions such as Klondike Days. Later, she trained as a real estate agent. With her intelligence, keen judgment of character, and natural warmth with people, she quickly became one of the top agents in Edmonton.

In 1974, Hermina and Benjamin moved permanently to Vancouver Island where they purchased a small motel which they developed into a thriving motel and campground. There they were able to embrace their shared passion for gardening. In retirement, they spent their winters in Arizona, enjoying lawn bowling, bridge, and “happy hours” with friends.

Hermina also had a creative spirit and found great joy in arranging flowers. She will be remembered as a strong, adventurous, and vivacious woman, deeply devoted to her family, and especially to her beloved husband. The family would like to thank the Berwick House staff for their kindness and care for our mother and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6 at McCall Gardens (Sequoia Centre), 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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