Henriette Ernestina Koonings

Henriette Ernestina Koonings, 98, Matriarch, WW2 Survivor and Entrepreneur, Dies

Henriette Ernestina Koonings, affectionately known as Ine, passed away peacefully on February 26 in Toronto, Canada. She had recently celebrated her 98th birthday, surrounded by family members spanning three generations.

Born on February 24, 1927, in The Hague, Netherlands, Ine Koonings endured the hardships of World War II, including the German occupation. She often recounted perilous journeys during the 1944 famine, cycling on a wooden-wheeled bicycle to rural farms in search of food for her family—a testament to her unwavering sacrifice and resilience.

After marrying and spending several years in Indonesia and Holland, Ine and her husband, Pieter, immigrated to Canada in 1955 to build a safe and secure life for a family. Together, they founded Contempo Color Labs, a thriving enterprise that pushed the boundaries of color photo production and printing. Ine worked diligently alongside her husband while raising their five children. As a loving Mother, Ine instilled in her family the virtues of hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Ine loved children and cared deeply for her nine grandchildren and one great grandson. She loved her garden, had a beautiful singing voice and could whistle with the grace of a songbird.

Predeceased by her husband, Pieter J. Koonings, her son Peter F. Koonings and her grandson Pieter C. Koonings, she is survived by her children: Paul and wife Melissa (San Diego), Karin and husband Brendan (Seattle), Egon and wife Belinda (Vancouver), and Thomas and wife Suzanne (Toronto), her grand children: Jonnathan, Jennifer, Nikita and husband Michael, Tamika, Evie, Vaughan, Hudson and Mallory and great grandson: Felix.

Ine will be profoundly missed by her friends and family, who will forever cherish her love, her smile, her laughter and indomitable spirit. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence and her caregivers—Janet, Loreza, Hersy and Myles—for their compassionate support.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation.