Corrie (Oma) was born to Jacob and Francina Leewis, Nov. 22, 1924, in Utrecht, the Netherlands. She married Henk den Iseger in 1951 and had a daughter, Sini, in 1953.
Corrie was 16 years old when WWII broke out, which impacted her personality and spirit immensely. The stories of Oma interacting with friendly Germans, hiding a radio in the kitchen, the imposed curfew, and her Mother assisting in an underground network to hide Jewish babies, will not be forgotten. Although Henk died early in her marriage, she continued to carry him in her heart. She continued to talk about him with deep love and adoration. After Henk passed away, Oma managed a bed and breakfast at her home where she hosted people from all over the world. These people gave Oma insight into the many different cultures and nationalities and helped her become a well-rounded individual.
After living in The Netherlands for 42 years, she moved with Sini to America in 1965. The immigration to America provided humorous stories of a courageous woman persistent in her pursuit of work and social life. Even after being in America for a longer duration, Oma always considered herself more Dutch. She remained connected with her family back in the Netherlands and cherished their visits.
Oma has always lived close to Sini’s family, which resulted in a deep friendship with her grandchildren. Jacob will miss dancing with Oma in the kitchen, sharing the deep parts of their lives with each other, and praying together. Brandon will miss playing Dutch Shuffleboard, watching Wheel of Fortune, and showing Oma off to all of his friends. Beau will miss playing chess, Ping-Pong, and their regular goofball lunches at Nordstrom Cafe. She taught them how to maintain a positive attitude, and that things we couldn’t control shouldn’t break us down. In such times she famously reminded them, “such is life.”
We will always remember Oma’s shining demeanor that was nonjudgmental, accepting of everyone, down to earth, and jocular.
Corrie is survived by: daughter , Sini and her husband Bob Schmitt; grandchildren Beau, Brandon, and Jacob; and all the family in the Netherlands. One sister, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Oma requested that no funeral service be held, but we will have a small celebration with friends and family at the end of June. Donations can be given to Evergreen Hospice via online, phone, fax, and mail. Click on link for more info: www.evergreenhospital.org/
Phone #1-800-442-4546.