Margrieta (Mieke) Johanna Poll

Margrieta (Mieke) Johanna Poll 13 October 1927 - 27 November 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mieke Poll - mother,

grandmother, great-grandmother and friend- at the age of 97. A lovely personality

with a creative, tasteful and artistic nature, she will be missed by her family and

community.

Mieke was born in Hilversum, the Netherlands, and like so many, lived through

the challenging war years. These influenced her teenaged years, as she had to

grow up quickly. She learned to sew and taught others, she bicycled men

dressed as women to safety, and when asked to look after a family of children

whose mother could not, she accepted. Her ability to work with children was

selfevident; they gravitated toward her — it was her super strength. The war had

another outcome: it financially prevented her from taking the courses and training

she wanted. The Vogue Akademie she interviewed with was too expensive. Her

other passion, painting, had become painting for advertising, which she did not

particularly enjoy. Once again, she gravitated toward children and taught in a

kindergarten class. Her love for art and creativity, however, stayed a thread

woven throughout her life.

Once married, she travelled abroad and lived several

years in Nigeria looking after her own growing family of three boys. Ultimately,

she returned to the Netherlands, where the family was made complete with the

birth of a daughter. Her life was not always easy; as a perfectionist, she was

often her own worst critic, but she persevered and created the best home that

she could for her children to thrive. A pivotal moment arrived, following the end of

her first marriage, when an advertisement caught her eye about a divorced

physics professor in Canada needing help with his four young children. These

were the magic words: help and children. As her sons were now grown, she

came to Canada with only her daughter for one year. She not only brought joy

and stability to a family in need but fell in love with their father. “One year” led to

marriage and a lifelong commitment. Of course, family was not her only passion.

Together with Duk, her husband, she travelled often to the Netherlands, and to

Italy, France, Indonesia, as well as throughout Canada. Wherever she went, be it

for a short or long time, she created a home.

Originally based in Guelph, ON, she retired to Victoria, BC, and lived out her

days on the beautiful West Coast. She will  be remembered with love by all her

children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren,— a legacy of a life well lived.

There will be a celebration of Mieke’s life on March 29, 2025. Please contact

Earth’s Options at (778) 440-8500 for further details.