Valk-Douma, Karen
(nee Pontin)
7.10.1948 ~ 9.9.2020
Passed away peacefully at the Alfred Hospital.
Taken too soon.
Selflessly donating her organs to those in need.
Wife of Con & Jouke (dec)
Much loved Mum of Neil and Wendy,
Son in-law to David, Nan to Steven, Jade & Kasey
and Great Nan to Travis
Sister of Keith (dec), Geoff & Glenda
Always in our hearts, now and forever.
We ask in lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Karen may be made to Kidney Health Australia at
A service to celebrate the life of Karen will be held on
Thursday 17th of September, 2020 commencing at 10.00am.
Due to limited numbers, the service will be live streamed.
To view Karen's service please click on the link below
10 Tributes
Martina Hayes
I have only known Karen since 2007. So here is my “more recent” tribute to an amazing lady. Karen married my father, Cornelis (Con) Valk, in 2008 at 60, Con was a lively 82! Karen moved from her home in Koonwarra to my father’s house in Inverloch, and enjoyed being part of a new step-family. Karen was a sparklingly warm friendly person who gave a lot to her second marriage and creating new life for herself and Con. During 10 years together they enjoyed several interstate holidays, and were active in the local community and church. Karen loved her church, community choir and garden club.
My two sisters and brother appreciate the care and company she provided my father till she could no longer. After my father went to live in an Aged Care Home and Karen went back to live in her small cottage overlooking pastures and thoroughly enjoyed her large garden, chooks and her community involvement.
We were friends and always laughed about her stepmum status! I will miss her humour and kindnesses very much.
She was at peace in her cottage and is now even more at peace with her Lord Jesus Christ. I hope she meets my mother in heaven where she can bring my mum up-to-date and they can have a few laughs together!
Martina Hayes (nee Valk).
P.S. My sisters are Annette Bosker, Jill Hofman. Brother is John Valk.
Wendy Driscoll
Thank you Martina, for your kind words. You were a true support to Mum over the last few years ❤️
Deborah Ollington
I’m so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Deb Ollington ( Considine)
Jerry & Elsha Nyhouse
We’ve had the privilege of Karen’s friendship since we attended her marriage to our Brother in Law Cor Valk and moved to Inverloch with him.
We continued to have regular contact and enjoy her hospitality as we attended the yearly Inverloch Jazz Festival . She invited us to stay with her at Koonwarra last March and were deeply saddened by her sudden passing.
We so enjoyed her sunny character, her sense of humour and her ‘can do’ approach to life. We were also encouraged as she was obviously motivated by her faith and love of the Lord. She was a true survivor as she lost her first Husband and had to deal with all the needs of her family .
We will miss her as we pray that her family will be comforted by the reality that she is now at peace in the presence of our Lord and Saviour.
” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3 : 16
Jerry & Elsha Nyhouse
Lilydale Vic
RinaDouma
Karen was married to my brother Jouke Douma (Jack). Unfortunately I only met her once but from what I hear and can see she was a lovely person. Only a few weeks ago she contacted me. She wanted to make a book for her grandchildren and needed some information from me. Which I gave her. I sent her a lot of details about the Douma family and also some fotos. She was very happy with it. We had a nice contact and we both enjoyed it. But it ended way too soon.
I wish the family and all the ones who were near to her strength and our deepest condolences. I will be with you watching the livestream.
Rina van Steenhuijsen-Douma
Andrea Conlan
Aunty Karen always greeted us with a smile and a small gift often from her garden. These small gestures were a representation of her kindness.
These are some of my memories of visiting Aunty Karen’s house as a child. Cuddles with the cats, running from the chooks, looking for koalas in the tall gums near your house, having a run in with the grumpy goat and picking mushroom in the surrounding paddocks.
I’m so glad I was able to share some pictures of our baby boy Austin days before her passing. You will truly be missed.
Sue and Eric Miles
Sadly missed neighbour of 30 years. Her garden is blooming beautifully due to her love and care. Sue, Eric and family
Adrianna Hall
I am grateful for the years I knew Karen and that she could be a bonus grandmother to me. When she married Con (Opa Cor) she felt like family already and fitted right in. She made such an effort to get to know us and to love and care for us. She remembered my birthday and cared about my children too, even though there were so many great grandchildren to get to know. She always appreciated photos and updates from us. As someone who loves gardening too, I enjoyed and admired her garden the few times we got to visit. My memories of her were of a warm and kind woman whose smile brightened the room. I will miss her. Love from Adrianna Hall (nee Valk), Michael, Jonathan, Peter and Bethany.
Johanna Haasjes
Karen will be sadly missed by her church family and her many friends. She was such an active, healthy lady with many interests and skills. Our friendship goes back to our Koonwarra days, when our children were of similar age, we attended the same church for many years, and knew of each other’s ups and downs.
A much valued member of our Mission Without Limits Knit and Natter Group, she will be remembered for the toys she knitted, her creativity, her willingness to help, her good ideas, her readiness to “have another go” until the finished product was to her satisfaction. She enjoyed challenges, and didn’t give up.
May she rest in peace.
Eileen O Connor
So sorry to hear about Karen! Our thoughts are with Wendy and families now!