Josephine was born in Holland in 1924, the middle of six children born to Agnes and Theodorus Bolsius. She loved dogs and birds, cycling reading and learning. Six of her early years were interrupted by World War II and its many tragedies. Afterward, she studied and became one of Holland’s first Registered Dieticians, also during those years she met Anthony. Josephine moved to Canada in 1951, an event that she described as an adventure. She followed Anthony who was the trail blazer. They were married in Kamloops in 1952, (65 years ago next week). Josephine worked as a Dietician in Kamloops and Vancouver, and when Anthony landed a job in Kemano BC, she was happy to join him on this adventure to a town that still has no road access to the rest of civilization. They lived in a 20 foot trailer. Of course Anthony made it much better, with as many amenities as possible for the love of his life. Vincent came in 1953, born in Prince Rupert a long boat ride away. The little family moved to Kitimat, BC.
Paul, the second child, was four when he became sick and died. Josephine mourned the loss of Paul for the rest of her life. Vince and Baby Theresa gained two more sisters; Marian and Judy over the next six years. Busy times for Mom, but we always were fed amazing meals in a clean log home. She guided us to be the best by showing us that Church and prayer, cleanliness, exercise, good nutrition would be a solid foundation to deal with life. Josephine had many interests including knitting and sewing, cycling, walking in the forest, Summer vacations in the Okanagan, berry picking in the local forest, playing tennis, and reading novels, are a few examples. She was the household banker, organizer, and choreographer of our lives.
Her first job was working at the shoe department of the Hudsons Bay. Then she did some substitute teaching for cooking classes at the High school. We moved to Prince Rupert and after taking many months of correspondence courses Josephine became a Library Assistant at the Public Library. She also worked in several school libraries over her career in both Prince Rupert and Terrace, BC. Josephine enjoyed retirement with Anthony in Abbotsford for close to 20 years. Walking, cycling, making Jam, knitting for the grandchildren were activities punctuated by many trips with Anthony in Canada, the United States and even further abroad. Josephine loved to learn, and to experience new places and people, and make new friends.
In 2008, Anthony and Josephine moved to the Camrose / Daysland area. Always up for an adventure, they made this their new home, and many times expressed appreciation for the support of their beloved daughter Theresa and husband Brian who smoothed the way over the past nine years. Josephine leaves behind a big hole in the lives of her friends and family. We will miss her. We are comforted knowing she will finally see her son Paul again, in Heaven.
