Mrs. Cornelia Kortenschyl

It is with sadness we announce that Cornelia (Corry) Kortenschyl passed away on March 20, 2025 in the High River Hospital. Corry was one of six children born to Everdina Johanna Mechtalina and Christoffel Beljaars in the Netherlands on March 29, 1935. She was the second youngest and responsible for taking care of her younger brother Chris. After graduating from High School, she attended nursing school to work as a nurse in the Netherlands, England, and the Channel Island of Jersey until she made the journey to Canada to marry Jan (Johnny) Kortenschyl in 1965. Johnny and Corry were born in Kampen and knew each other as children. Corry worked as a Nurse in the High River and Turner Valley Hospitals, Fort Resolution, Inuvik, and Yellowknife before moving to the HBOG camp near Brooks with Johnny and daughter Johanna in 1972. She worked in the Bassano Hospital on a weekly rotation until moving to Brooks in 1977 and continued to work in the Bassano and Brooks hospitals until she retired after more than 40 years of nursing. As an RN, she worked in maternity, emergency, general ward, and palliative care. She was a cancer survivor. All the while she and Johnny were dedicated to drawing, painting, and stained glass together. Corry continued to paint and compete at the Zone level and in the Alberta Wide Show as a member of the Alberta Community Art Club Association until 2022. She was an accomplished artist whose paintings often were as detailed as photographs. Her intent was to bring her appreciation of nature to the viewer through her art. Corry and Johnny were supporters and members of The Newell Sailing Club, Brooks Scouts, and Dinosaur Park. Corry was a member of Eastern Star Helen Chapter No. 91, Occidental Chapter No. 12, and the Nanton Art Club. When Johnny passed away in 2003, Corry returned to High River to be near Johanna and her family. Corry (Oma) often took care of her two grandchildren after school. Through the years she attended many of Tycen’s Scouting events, Tai Kwon Do competitions, and Lacrosse (Box and Field) games as well as Eryka’s Irish Dance events, competitions, and Field Lacrosse practices and games. Oma enjoyed visits with Tycen, his wife Kaylee and Eryka when they were home from work, school, and lacrosse. Left to remember Corry are her daughter Johanna (Trevor Allan); grandchildren Tycen (Kaylee) and Eryka; brother Chris (Jacqueline); nieces and nephews in the Netherlands: Tyijs, Els, Inge; Lolle, Christina, Annemieke, John, Rimmie; Georgie, Phillippe; Jolanda, Jeannette; Esther; Sister In-law Rie (Piet); many patients and friends along the way. Corry was predeceased by her parents Everdina Johanna Mechtelina and Christoffel Beljaars, husband Jan Kortenschyl, mother in-law Elscke (Elza), sisters Dymphna (Henk), Dennie (Rim), Annie (Johan), and brother Piet. Our family extends gratitude to High River Homecare, High River Hospital staff, High River Fire Department, Alberta Health Services EMS and Fr. Marius whom all provided Corry with care off and on over the past 10 years. In Lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Corry’s name to the High River Health Care Foundation – High River Hospital Maternity highriverhealthfoundation.ca or the local charity of your choice that provides food security. A celebration of Corry’s strength, determination, and accomplishments will be held at a later date. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mrs. Cornelia Kortenschyl

March 29, 1935 - March 20, 2025