Audrey Jeanne Venema (nee Kalmink) passed away – Monday April 15, 2024 at the age of 99. She was born on Saturday, July 19th, 1924, in Holland, Michigan. Audrey was the daughter of Harry & Alice Kalmink (nee Vos). She met Henry Albert Venema (deceased 1972), her husband-to-be at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she earned her AB degree, and where he studied to be a Minister at Calvin Seminary. Audrey spent almost all of her adult years in Canada, as both she and Henry preferred serving and being members of Christian Reformed congregations in Canada. From 1970 to 1972, Reverend Venema was the Pastor of 2nd Christian Reformed Church on Exmouth St. in Sarnia
Audrey’s one sibling is her sister Norma Venema; yes, her younger sister married another pastor, Henry’s younger brother, Reverend Alvin Venema. When Henry died, Audrey remained in Sarnia, a central place for her five children and their families, and lived at 1006 Rosedale Ave, for 50 years. This was a home where each successive year, her children and grandchildren would all gather to meet up & celebrate each Christmas. One can truly say that was one annual houseful. Audrey enjoyed adventures. She travelled to Japan to visit a daughter and son-in-law who were living there. Over the years, she went to Europe & South America with dear friends from Edmonton. She also spent a week each summer camping in the Parry Sound area with her children & grandchildren; in fact, she continued to do so with them into her 90s.
Audrey was a Christian and an independent thinker. She had an open mind and did her best to hold non-judgmental attitudes about others. One could almost say that with her “crazy” combination of children, she had to have these characteristics. Audrey is survived by Gayle (Gary), Tom (Jan), June (John), Ted (Kim) and Ken (Pia), as well as twelve grandchildren (one deceased) and seventeen great-grandchildren. We are grateful to the staff at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland Ontario for the care they gave to her in her last 2 years.
In honouring Audrey’s wishes cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca