Adriana (Boon) Van Tongeren Obituary (1949 - 2025)

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Adriana Van Tongeren, who left us after a courageous struggle with health challenges in her later years. Adriana was born on November 12, 1949, in The Hague, in the Netherlands, to parents Jacobus Boon and Helena Boon, nee de Kruijff. Adriana immigrated to Canada in 1954 with her parents and three siblings Gina, Andrew and Peter and they settled in the Burnaby area. Four more siblings - Jim, Martin, Helen, and Ken - were born in Canada. Adriana lived a life full of care and quiet strength. She found her greatest joy in simple, meaningful things -- tending to her garden, preserving its bounty, and sharing her famous zucchini relish with friends and family. She loved baking, walking her dog in Seal Bay Park, sailing to Henry Bay and sitting in the sun with her toes in the sand. Adriana was an elder at the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, and a former Clerk of Session. She started the church's Christmas Hampers program with the Salvation Army and even led some church services during vacancies. Adriana found deep fulfillment in music, sharing her voice and faith through many joyful years of singing in the church choir. Adriana's kindness and sense of duty touched everyone who knew her. Though her body grew tired, her spirit remained strong and free. We take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace -- riding her dear childhood horse Gypsy into Heaven, free of pain and full of grace. Adriana leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, Dirk Van Tongeren, her children Vince (Michelle), Steve (Shannon), and Kevin (Nancy), her cherished grandchildren Devan, Zach, Kingston, Taya, Sadie, and Harriet, and her extended family and friends. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who loved her. A celebration of Adriana's life will be held November 10, 2025, at the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church at 2 pm to honour her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, in recognition of Adriana's love of community, music, and faith.