Gerri passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at VGH. Gerri was born in Cape Breton and moved to Victoria in the early 1970s. She is survived by her husband Harry of almost 45 years and her three children Kris (Marni), Tara (John), Amanda (David) and grandchildren Bianca, Sophia, Alexander, Jozef, Aidan and Fiona. She also came from a large family with many siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gerri had a long nursing and health care career encompassing a variety of positions and hospitals. Her longest time being at the Gorge Road Hospital and retiring from VGH several years ago as the Unit Clerk on 5 North. She made several life long friends during her career and was very proud of the work she accomplished.
The home that the Ruitenbeeks created was full of laughter and love and included many foster children and friends of their children. In the early years of raising kids, Gerri could be found at the baseball park keeping score or at the church involved in an activity. Summer weekends were spent camping, hiking and spending time at her favourite place French Beach with good friends.
After her children grew up, her grandkids became her light and she took great delight in their lives and loved being an Oma. She would visit those out of province whenever she could and she and Opa have been a huge presence in the lives of the grandkids here.
Constantly at her sewing machine, she was always creating new designs. A quilt or dress from her was a special gift and to be treasured.
She lit up a room and was a force to be reckoned with. She loved helping people and had a huge heart that she shared openly.
Gerri loved God and spending time in His presence. She wasn’t shy about sharing her faith and speaking her truth. She touched many lives during her time here and will be greatly missed by all left behind. Her spirit, strength, and goodness will be with us in our hearts eternally.
A special thank you for the loving care and kindness of the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at the VGH ICU.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 at 3 pm at Colwood Pentecostal Church located at 2250 Sooke R0ad, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Victoria Hospital Foundation @ victoriahf.ca and follow the links in honour of a loved one or
Victoria Women’s Transition House Society @ www.transitionhouse.net
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
29 Responses
My condolences to the Family. My prayers are with you.
Harry… our thoughts are with you and your family upon your loss of Gerri.
Happy memories of your life together will comfort you in years to come.
Friends and family are so important in life. Take care..
Stu and Vera Conarroe
Harry, Kris, Amanda, Tara – it is very sad the loss of your mom and my sister. I have great memories of Gerri. She showed her true kindness when she took our daughter Carlee in at Christmas time when Carlee was alone in Vancouver. We will never forget that. Our thoughts and love go out to you all.
Love from Hilly, Ronda, Sam, Chantal.
May 18 2019.
Harry and Family
My thoughts are with you in your time of loss old friend.
Harry, Kris, Amanda, Tara, and families.
Thinking of you all; our hearts are broken. Sending all our love, we are so sorry for your loss. We will treasure our memories of our beautiful sister.
Stanley and Michele xo
Harry, Kris, Tara, and Amanda.
There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Even though we haven’t spent a lot of time with each other, Gerri was always loving towards me and we always had great times and laughs together when she would come to Cape Breton for visits. I will miss my sister dearly, but will always hold a piece of her in my heart.
Love you all,
Leon, Danette and Taylor
To Harry, Chris, Amanda and Tara.
May it comfort you to know that our sympathy and caring thoughts are with you all. And may each of you always cherish the beautiful memories stored deep in your hearts. I dwell on all the fond memories that I have had growing up with Gerri. For all of you, may the fond memories of her as a wife, a mother, and a grand-mother bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Our heart and prayers go out to you all.
Seashells remind us, that every passing life leaves behind something beautiful.
My condolences to Harry and the family…. Gerri will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Gerri’s passing. Thinking of all of the family at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences,
Bill and Winnie Silvester
Dear Harry and Family,
So shocked and saddened to hear of Gerri’s passing.
She was such a good woman who left her mark on so many people at GRH.
Still remember her vibrant laughter when sitting with friends in the cafeteria.
Rest in peace, Gerri.