Tribute

Tienie was born on September 27, 1947, in Den Helder, The Netherlands. She was the youngest child of
Johannes and Tryntje Kleine. In March 1952, at the age of four, Tienie immigrated to Canada with her
parents and six of her ten siblings. Her sisters, Tryntje and Griet and brothers Hank and Klaas stayed in
Holland, while brothers Alex, John, and Albert Pastoor, John Kleine and sisters Joanne and Hennie made
their new home in Ladner, BC.
Tienie attended Ladner Christian elementary school and participated in church activities at the Ladner
Christian Reformed Church. She finished school after grade nine and went to work at a variety of jobs.
It was during her time spent at various church activities that Tienie met the Kornelius family. Even
though she was friends with his sister Irene, it was John who Tienie gave her attention to. John and
Tienie were married on April 21,1967 at Ladner Christian Reformed Church and then moved to
Chilliwack to start their life together. Their first home was on Orr Road, and it was here that they
welcomed their first daughter, Brenda, in January 1969. Eventually they moved onto McGuire Road and
joined the family farm. John and Tienie welcomed Linda in June 1970. In June 1974 they were saddened
by the stillbirth of their daughter Shelley. In July 1975 they welcomed Jody, which completed the family.
Tienie loved to be at home with her growing girls, helping on the farm where needed and spending time
with extended family and friends. Camping, sewing, helping with the Women’s Circle activities and
fundraisers, singing in the choir, and participating on bowling teams also kept her busy.
In the spring of 1978 life changed significantly as John was diagnosed with terminal cancer and on June
27, a short six weeks after diagnosis, he passed away. Through this difficult and confusing time Tienie
was supported, encouraged, and loved by family and community, helping her with what she needed to
continue raising Brenda, Linda, and Jody.
Over the years, Tienie found employment including Chilliwack Christian, Brett’s Chev Olds, the Deli-Hut,
and house cleaning. In 1983 Tienie and the girls found a home on Southland Cresent and Tienie began
working as the custodian here at Cornerstone, a position she held for 30 years. This was a job that gave
her the opportunity to build relationships with pastors, staff, and members of the congregation that
would come by. She treasured those times.
While doing housework for Jack Glazema, she met his gardener, Bill Vriend. It was during those
workdays and spending time at the Christian singles group that Tienie and Bill grew their relationship
and decided to get married. On November 5, 1993, they said their vows here at Cornerstone, supported
by family and friends. In 2002 they moved into Mountainview Estates where they loved the view of Mt.
Cheam as well as listening to and watching the children play in the school yard. Bill joined Tienie with
the work of custodian and grounds keeper which they did together for 20 years, retiring in 2013.
Tienie and Bill were blessed with opportunities to travel to see family in Mexico, Australia, and
Africa…times they really enjoyed. They also made memories on numerous road trips or camping locally
with their truck and trailer. Bill loved to garden and Tienie would take whatever he brought into the
kitchen and either can it, freeze it or share it.
On March 3, 2020, Bill passed away and Tienie was left alone once more. Again, she found support from
family, friends, and her faith community.

In the fall of 2022 Tienie began her cancer journey a cancer journey that would eventually claim her life
on November 26 th , 2023. Throughout this time of adversity, Tienie remained positive and at peace. She
was not going to give up without a fight, but she was assured of her faith and the love of her Saviour.
Tienie is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren and great-grand daughter: Brenda and Rob
Aukema (Aaron, Joel, Jared, Leah), Linda and Stephen Rook (Matthew, Emily (Haley), Nicole and Matt
Woods) Jody and Uriel Gonzales (Jonathan, Antonio) and by her surviving siblings Hennie van Tol,
Joanne Kornelius, and in-laws Ann Pastoor, Ruby Kleine, Irene and Ted Short, Jim and Ramona Kornelius,
Ann Stoddard, Margaret and Jerry Bangma along with many nieces, nephews and cousins both in
Canada and in Holland.